“You’re too old to dress like a 20-year-old,” an online user stated about Cher’s revealing outfits in her 70s.

Cher’s journey from the unknown to establishing her distinct place as a multitalented icon is nothing short of exciting. In addition to redefining music and ruling the world of music for nearly six decades, she has challenged the norms and expectations, building a persona unlike any other.
From being fun and full of surprises to exuberating boldness and brilliance—Cher’s journey to success has been both unconventional and exceptional. Moreover, she has used fashion as a form of self-expression, unapologetically conveying her somewhat complex personal style.

Despite her age, the “After All” singer’s revealing style has remained unchanged. Her choice of seemingly inappropriate outfits has kept her in the spotlight for years. At the 2017 Billboard Music Awards, she rocked a body-baring, heart-shaped pasties outfit made from beaded threads.
Cher topped her look with a platinum wig, looking snug and happy in her bold beaded dress. Interestingly, everyone adored her style, and she also bagged the Icon Award, which later gave her a chance to share an emotional acceptance speech.
While reflecting on her journey in the music arena for over 50 years at the time, Cher echoed what her mom told her when she was a young girl:
“You’re not going to be the smartest, you’re not going to be the prettiest, you’re not going to be the most talented, but you’re going to be special.’”
Taking the conversation further, the “If I Could Turn Back Time” star noted how her style statement throughout her career had been unique, despite being dubbed outrageous, distinct, and against the rule books.
To anyone wondering how she pulled off such a revealing dress for her age, the then-71-year-old responded, “I can do a five-minute plank.”
Despite going strong in her 70s, Cher has received immense criticism for her looks. In 2019, a user called the songstress “too old to dress like a [20-year-old].”
In 2014, a second user slammed her for looking ugly in her purple dress, saying she needed to wear something longer. “Cher looks like an ugly Ozzy,” commented another user.
She has reportedly been dubbed as the poster girl for cosmetic procedures.
Besides being criticized, the “Moonstruck” alum has also received supportive comments from fans. “THIS is cher! she looks her age, beautiful and happy. there’s nothing wrong with looking like you’ve lived [sic],” stated one user on Twitter.
When Cher posted her mother’s picture on social media in June 2022, many drew similarities between the two women. She is beautiful. She is beautiful at her age now!” wrote a fan. Another netizen commended the pop star, adding, “Looks beautiful for any age and she is already doing her job fabulously.”

For Cher, the world of glitz and glam has also pressured her to remain young and relevant in her field. She has reportedly been dubbed as the poster girl for cosmetic procedures.
When asked if she normalized the trend, the singer immediately pointed out how she had seen girls as young as 18 want to change their appearance. She said she didn’t comprehend why people held her responsible for something which had been trending for a long time.
“If you’re no good at what you do, people don’t care what you look like,” answered Cher when asked if cosmetic treatments had prolonged her career. She noted how people didn’t pay money to look at someone and attached much more importance to someone’s performance.
Despite admitting to feeling exhausted and drained, the “Burlesque” alum said her voice had never been better. She also stated how she had worked diligently to build her body strength, adding that even 20-year-old girls couldn’t do what she did.
While commenting on an American tabloid newspaper constantly suggesting she was on the brink of death, Cher appeared shocked and confused. During her response to the somewhat queer question, she said she was unsure why they thought she was dying when she had never felt that way.
Cher is also excellent at monitoring her diet and is a fan of healthy eating except for her love for chocolate. She also credits working out and exercising to her gorgeous appearance and agelessness.
So, how does the “All or Nothing” singer maintain her lovely figure while adding more years to her life? She once shared how she works twice as hard and loves being in the gym as much as possible. Cher said she was a tomboy in her youth and loved playing sports.

Owing to her sporty attitude, Cher also learned to surf and said she loved embarking on adventures. The Oscar-winning diva has a few simple beauty tips which have helped her remain an elegant beauty over the years.
Her secrets to staying fit, active, healthy, and of course, ageless include saying no to drinking, smoking, and drugs. In addition to understanding the importance of mindful eating and adopting a vegetarian diet, Cher confessed she rarely drank and never did drugs.
Cher once rated Cruise among her top five lovers, and the duo’s relationship amassed immense popularity back in the day, despite the “Jerry Maguire” actor being 16 years her junior.
The “Baby Don’t Go” star explained how she had always considered drinking and drugs unhealthy. While she admitted to smoking cigarettes for some time, she quickly bounced back and steered clear of anything that contradicted her taste.
Being the superstar she is, Cher’s health continues to worry her fans from time to time, mainly in the wake of her advancing age. In 2021, she had to cancel some of her concerts after contracting a mysterious illness.
Heeding her doctor’s advice, Cher, then 75, took some time to rest and recover and kept her loyal fan base updated about her health through regular social media updates.
Known for entertaining the audience, staying relevant, and serving style goals despite her age, the Emmy-winning star was shattered to cancel some of her shows. During her “Dressed To Kill” tour, she was said to have fallen ill with a severe virus affecting her kidneys and voice box.
At the time, Cher had to cancel her mega show’s second half because she appeared too unwell to perform. However, despite her health scares, she has managed to stay fit and healthy, determined to keep her fans entertained with her mesmerizing performances.
Cher’s age has never deterred her from chasing her dreams. In addition to reveling in continued success and fame, she had had an exciting love life. In November 2022, the “Love and Understanding” singer went public with her relationship to Alexander “AE” Edwards, 40 years her junior.
When photos of the hot duo circulated on social media, many fans warned Cher about her then-boyfriend’s past. But sources reported that the Grammy-winning musician was unswayed by the online chatter, and she couldn’t care less about the skepticism surrounding her relationship.
Despite the undue media and public scrutiny, Cher seemed to enjoy the attention, reportedly adding that she and her then-beau shared something extraordinary, making her feel sexy and full of life.

The same source shared that Cher had always had a thing for younger men, and her relationship with Edwards was no different than her previous connections. But what made it stand out from the “Bang Bang” star’s prior romances was how it made her feel and her confidence to take it public.
In December 2022, Cher posted a picture of her pear-shaped diamond ring on Twitter, triggering the romance rumor mill. The “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” alum wrote how she wished her late mom, Georgia Holt, could witness her happiness and gorgeous ring.
She mentioned how her mother loved diamonds and would have been ecstatic to share her daughter’s happiness. Later, Cher said she had posted the ring’s photo because she wished to flaunt her then-boyfriend’s fabulous nails.
The pop star’s romance with Edwards isn’t the only one that gained widespread media attention. In the past, she’s dated Hollywood A-listers, including Richie Sambora, Elvis Presley, Tom Cruise, and several others.
Cher once rated Cruise among her top five lovers, and the duo’s relationship amassed immense popularity back in the day, despite the “Jerry Maguire” actor being 16 years her junior.
She has been married twice: she wed Sonny Bono in 1964, and they divorced in 1975. They share a son, Chaz Bono. Unfortunately, Sonny died in 1998. Later, in 1975, she tied the knot with Gregg Allman, but the duo divorced three years later. Allman passed away in 2017, and the duo share a son, Elijah.
Despite the rumors that Cher and Edwards were engaged, sources close to the couple confirmed that they had gone their separate ways after just six months of dating. It was also revealed that the pair were never engaged, and Cher’s ring was merely a gift from her ex-lover.
Regardless, the duo was said to be incredibly close, and Edwards’ son loved spending time at Cher’s Malibu residence. Their romance and brief relationship were believed to be real and special, and despite their decision to call it quits, they were said to be on friendly terms.
Although Cher has been slammed off and on for her revealing style, she continues to exuberate class and confidence while showing off her slim figure, proving that age is just a number!

My Mother-in-Law’s Online Persona Helped Fund a Surprise Gift We Never Expected

I was furious when I discovered my mother-in-law’s secret parenting blog featuring my son, Liam. But on his first birthday, Claire showed up with a gift we never expected and a shocking explanation that changed everything.

I’ve always thought of myself as someone who sees the best in people. Maybe a little too much. I’m Brooke, 27, married to Jake, 29, and mom to our little boy, Liam. Our life isn’t perfect, but it’s ours.

A thoughtful and happy woman standing on the front porch | Source: Midjourney

A thoughtful and happy woman standing on the front porch | Source: Midjourney

We live in a cozy home on the outskirts of town, where Jake works long hours as a project manager, and I’m figuring out how to be a mom without losing my mind.

When I first met Jake’s mom, Claire, I thought I’d hit the jackpot in the in-law department. She was in her 50s and looked elegant, the kind of woman who could pull off yoga pants and a messy bun as if she’d just stepped out of a lifestyle magazine. There wasn’t a hint of judgment in her eyes when Jake introduced me.

A smiling senior woman | Source: Midjourney

A smiling senior woman | Source: Midjourney

She hugged me like she’d known me forever, saying, “I’ve heard so much about you, Brooke! Finally, I get to meet the woman who’s stolen my son’s heart.”

It felt good. Like I belonged.

Claire was easy to talk to. She had a laid-back vibe that made our early dinners smooth and fun. We’d swap recipes, laugh about Jake’s childhood quirks, and discuss travel plans. But looking back, maybe I should have paid more attention to how she casually dominated conversations — always steering them back to herself.

A thoughtful woman sitting alone in her room | Source: Midjourney

A thoughtful woman sitting alone in her room | Source: Midjourney

Things changed when Jake and I announced we were having a baby.

The baby shower was the first sign.

I was sitting on our living room couch, trying to soak in the moment. The decorations were simple but heartfelt. There were soft blues and yellows, little stuffed animals, and a homemade cake from my best friend.

A homemade cake topped with fruits | Source: Pexels

A homemade cake topped with fruits | Source: Pexels

Then Claire arrived.

She stepped in like she owned the place, wearing a tailored white dress with impeccably styled hair and heels that clacked against our hardwood floor like a metronome. Following her was a man with a camera slung around his neck.

“Mom?” Jake blinked in surprise. “What’s with the photographer?”

Claire beamed. “Oh, darling, he’s here to capture the day! It’s a special moment — my grandbaby’s celebration!” She leaned down, giving me a quick peck on the cheek. “Brooke, sweetheart, don’t you worry. I’ve got this all planned.”

I plastered on a smile. “That’s… thoughtful. Thank you.”

A woman forces a smile while looking at someone | Source: Midjourney

A woman forces a smile while looking at someone | Source: Midjourney

The thing is, it wasn’t thoughtful. Not really. Every shot was curated to showcase her. Claire posing by the cake. Claire arranging gifts. Claire with her hand on my belly like she was the one carrying Liam. I half-expected her to start giving out autographs.

When the photos surfaced on her social media, the captions made me wince: “A special day for my growing family.” No mention of me or Jake. Just her and Liam.

Things spiraled after Liam was born.

A yawning newborn baby | Source: Pexels

A yawning newborn baby | Source: Pexels

Claire started visiting twice a week, always with a wide smile and that signature air of confidence. At first, I appreciated her help. She’d offer to take Liam for a few hours so I could nap or catch up on laundry. It felt like a blessing.

“Brooke, darling,” she’d say as she packed the diaper bag, “you need to rest. You’re doing so much.”

But then she started saying things that made my skin crawl.

An upset woman | Source: Midjourney

An upset woman | Source: Midjourney

One afternoon, as she was buckling Liam into his car seat, she smiled at me over her shoulder. “Jake asked me to help out more. He’s worried you’re overwhelmed.”

I blinked. “He… what?”

“He called me last night,” she continued, her voice calm, almost rehearsed. “He said you’ve been struggling. He thought it’d be best if I took Liam for a few hours each week.”

That night, I confronted Jake.

“Did you ask your mom to babysit?” I blurted out as we folded laundry.

A close-up shot of a woman holding a stack of neatly folded shirts | Source: Pexels

A close-up shot of a woman holding a stack of neatly folded shirts | Source: Pexels

Jake’s brow furrowed. “No. Why would I? I mean, I appreciate the help, but I thought that was your idea.”

“She said you asked her to,” I pressed. “That you’re worried about me.”

Jake shook his head. “Honey, I never asked Mom to babysit. Not once.”

My gut twisted. Something felt off.

The truth hit me one night during a 2 a.m. feeding.

Liam was nestled in my arms, his tiny fingers gripping my shirt as I scrolled through my phone. My eyes were heavy with exhaustion, but a familiar face on the screen jolted me awake.

A woman holding her baby boy | Source: Midjourney

A woman holding her baby boy | Source: Midjourney

Claire.

Except, it wasn’t just a picture of Claire. It was a parenting blog — under a name I didn’t recognize, but there she was. Hair perfectly styled, smiling broadly, holding Liam in her living room.

I clicked the first post, my heart pounding.

“Motherhood is a journey, and I’m here to share it with all of you wonderful moms out there!”

What followed was post after post featuring Liam. Photos of him napping, playing with toys, even a video of his first bath. The captions were detailed, offering tips on feeding schedules and bedtime routines.

A baby sitting on the carpet and playing with blocks | Source: Pexels

A baby sitting on the carpet and playing with blocks | Source: Pexels

“Are you kidding me?” I whispered, scrolling faster. It wasn’t just one post. It was a whole series — hundreds of photos and videos. She’d documented our life without saying a word to me.

Then I read the worst part.

“After childbirth, it’s important to focus on self-care. Here’s what worked for me: Tips on getting your baby to sleep through the night.”

She wasn’t claiming to be Liam’s grandma. Everything she posted implied she was his mother.

The next morning, I couldn’t hold it in any longer.

I dialed Claire’s number, my hands trembling with anger.

A woman using her phone in her room at night | Source: Midjourney

A woman using her phone in her room at night | Source: Midjourney

“Good morning, Brooke!” she chirped. “How’s my favorite little guy?”

I gripped the phone tighter. “How dare you?”

A pause. “Excuse me?”

“You’ve been running a blog — with photos and videos of my son. Did you think I wouldn’t find out?”

Silence.

“Claire,” I seethed, “you crossed a line. We trusted you. I trusted you. And you’ve been parading Liam around online like he’s your son.”

“Brooke, it’s not like that,” she began, her voice softening.

A senior woman tries to explain herself while talking on the phone | Source: Midjourney

A senior woman tries to explain herself while talking on the phone | Source: Midjourney

“Don’t,” I snapped. “Don’t gaslight me. We’re done, Claire. You’ve severed every tie.”

****

Liam’s first birthday was a quiet affair at home. It was nothing fancy, just close family, a homemade cake, and a few balloons. Jake and I had agreed to keep it simple; our savings were tight, and we weren’t about to splurge on an elaborate party for a baby who’d be more interested in the wrapping paper than the gifts.

A little boy wearing a party hat and sitting on a white high chair on his birthday | Source: Pexels

A little boy wearing a party hat and sitting on a white high chair on his birthday | Source: Pexels

Still, I couldn’t shake the nerves as we set up. Claire hadn’t come by since our phone conversation. We’d exchanged some tense texts but nothing that hinted at reconciliation. She was now coming to Liam’s party, and I had no idea what to expect.

Jake noticed my fidgeting as I rearranged the balloons for the third time.

A close-up shot of balloons | Source: Pexels

A close-up shot of balloons | Source: Pexels

“Babe, relax,” he said, placing a hand on my shoulder. “Mom’s not coming to start trouble. It’s Liam’s day.”

I nodded, trying to believe him. But my chest tightened as I heard the knock at the door.

Claire stood there holding a small, carefully wrapped gift box.

A close-up shot of a person holding a gift box with a brown ribbon | Source: Pexels

A close-up shot of a person holding a gift box with a brown ribbon | Source: Pexels

She looked different. Softer, somehow. Gone was the glamorous version of her I’d seen online. Today, she was in a simple cardigan and jeans, her hair styled in a loose bun.

“Hi,” she said quietly.

“Hi,” I replied, glancing at Jake, who gave me a reassuring nod.

Claire’s eyes darted nervously between me and Jake. “I wasn’t sure if I should come.”

“You’re Liam’s grandma,” Jake said gently. “Of course, you should be here.”

A man smiles softly while looking at someone | Source: Midjourney

A man smiles softly while looking at someone | Source: Midjourney

I stepped aside to let her in. She walked in slowly, her gaze immediately finding Liam, who was toddling around the living room in his birthday outfit: a tiny shirt with “One-derful” printed on it.

“Oh, look at you!” Claire’s face lit up. She knelt down, arms outstretched. “Come to Grandma!”

Liam hesitated for a moment before wobbling toward her. Claire scooped him up, her eyes misting as she kissed his cheek.

I watched the scene, and my emotions tangled. Anger, guilt, confusion, and love. It was all there, swirling around in my chest.

A woman caught in a moment of emotional struggle | Source: Midjourney

A woman caught in a moment of emotional struggle | Source: Midjourney

“Let’s do presents,” Jake suggested, sensing the tension. “Liam’s been eyeing that pile all morning.”

We gathered around the small stack of gifts, and Jake handed Liam the first one to tear open. Claire sat quietly, holding her little box on her lap, her fingers fidgeting with the ribbon.

Finally, Jake nodded toward her. “Mom, is that for Liam?”

Claire blinked, startled. “Oh! Yes. Yes, it is.” She stood and handed the box to me. “But… it’s more for all of you.”

I frowned, puzzled, as I untied the ribbon and lifted the lid.

A close-up shot of a woman opening a gift | Source: Pexels

A close-up shot of a woman opening a gift | Source: Pexels

Inside was a set of keys.

I stared at them, confused. “What?”

“It’s your family house,” Claire said softly, her voice trembling. “For you, Jake, and Liam.”

Jake and I exchanged stunned looks.

“What do you mean, our house?” Jake asked, his brow furrowed.

A man looking a bit surprised | Source: Midjourney

A man looking a bit surprised | Source: Midjourney

Claire took a deep breath, her hands twisting nervously. “I know how hard you’ve been working, Jake. And Brooke, I’ve seen how much you’ve given up to be the best mom you can be. I also know how hard it is to buy a house at your age. I wanted to help, but I didn’t know how to do it without making you feel like I was interfering.”

I could feel my heart pounding as she spoke.

A woman looks with understanding and warmth at someone | Source: Midjourney

A woman looks with understanding and warmth at someone | Source: Midjourney

“So, I started the blog,” she continued. “At first, it was just for fun. But then people started following, commenting, asking questions… and I realized I could use it for something bigger. I started a crowdfunding campaign — anonymously — to raise money for a house.”

My mouth dropped open. “Wait. You’re saying… you bought us a house?”

Claire nodded, tears spilling over. “It was supposed to be a surprise down payment, but the blog took off faster than I ever imagined. I managed to save enough to buy it outright.”

A sad and emotional senior woman | Source: Midjourney

A sad and emotional senior woman | Source: Midjourney

Jake ran a hand through his hair, pacing the room. “Mom, this is… I don’t even know what to say.”

I couldn’t speak. I was still processing everything — the lies, the secrecy, the overwhelming generosity.

Claire turned to me, her eyes pleading. “Brooke, I’m so sorry for how things went. I never meant to hurt you. I just, I didn’t know how else to help. I saw how stressed you both were, and I wanted to give Liam the future he deserves.”

A little boy climbing a wooden ladder | Source: Pexels

A little boy climbing a wooden ladder | Source: Pexels

Her voice broke, and I felt my tears welling up. “You lied to us,” I whispered. “You took photos of Liam without asking. You made it look like you were his mom.”

“I know,” Claire said, her voice barely above a whisper. “And I’m sorry. I let it get out of hand. I should have told you from the start.”

Jake stepped in, his voice calm but firm. “Mom, why didn’t you just ask us if we needed help?”

A man with understanding and warmth in his eyes | Source: Midjourney

A man with understanding and warmth in his eyes | Source: Midjourney

“Because I was afraid you’d say no,” Claire admitted. “You’re both so independent, so determined to do everything on your own. I thought if I offered money, you’d refuse. So, I did it my way. And I’m not saying it was the right way, but it was the only way I could think of.”

The room fell silent, the weight of her words hanging in the air.

Finally, I spoke. “Where’s the house?”

Claire’s face brightened. “It’s just a few streets over. Close enough that I can babysit — if you want me to.”

Jake chuckled, shaking his head. “Unbelievable.”

A man laughing | Source: Midjourney

A man laughing | Source: Midjourney

I looked at him, my heart swelling with emotion. “We have a house, Jake. Our own house.”

He wrapped an arm around me, pulling me close. “Yeah, we do.”

Claire wiped her eyes. “I know I’ve made mistakes. And I know I have a lot to make up for. But I hope… I hope you can forgive me.”

I stood, crossing the room to where she sat. My mind flashed back to all the moments of tension, the hurtful words, the mistrust. And yet, here she was, offering us the very thing we’d dreamed of: a home.

A back view of a loving couple standing in front of a house | Source: Pexels

A back view of a loving couple standing in front of a house | Source: Pexels

Without a word, I pulled her into a hug.

Claire stiffened for a moment before melting into the embrace, her shoulders shaking with quiet sobs.

“We’ll figure it out,” I whispered. “Together.”

She pulled back, her eyes shimmering. “Thank you, Brooke.”

Jake joined us, wrapping his arms around both of us. Liam giggled from his spot on the floor, completely unaware of the emotional storm around him.

A little boy celebrating his first birthday | Source: Pexels

A little boy celebrating his first birthday | Source: Pexels

At that moment, I realized something important: Claire and I might never see the world the same way, but we loved Liam more than anything. And that love was enough to bridge the gap.

“Happy birthday, little man,” Jake whispered, scooping Liam into his arms. “Here’s to your new home.”

And as we stood there, wrapped in each other’s arms, I knew this was just the beginning.

The beginning of our family’s next chapter.

A woman beaming with joy | Source: Midjourney

A woman beaming with joy | Source: Midjourney

If this story warmed your heart, take a look at another intriguing read: I’d always dreamed of a perfect Christmas, and this year was supposed to be special since I was finally going to be a part of Liam’s family. I was excited to start a new chapter of our lives, unaware that this Christmas would be the beginning of the end.

This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.

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