Cher remembers Val Kilmer with touching tribute after his death at 65

As news of actor Val Kilmer’s death spread on April 1, fans across the globe paid tribute—but one of the most emotional goodbyes came from someone who knew him intimately: music icon Cher.

The two were once one of Hollywood’s most unexpected couples, but their connection went far beyond the spotlight. Now, after Kilmer’s passing at 65, Cher has spoken out with heartfelt words that reflect a love story that never truly ended.

In the 1980s, Cher was already a global superstar, while Val Kilmer was just beginning his rise in Hollywood. At 22, he was 14 years younger than Cher, but that didn’t stop them from falling in love.

“Was he 22? What was I? I don’t know. 30-something. It was a bigger deal back then,” Cher once told People magazine. She added, “If I hadn’t gone out with younger men, I would have never had a date.”

Despite the age gap, their chemistry was undeniable. They gave each other funny nicknames—Sid and Ethel, Valus Maximus and Cherus Reprimandus. Cher later said, “He’s like nobody I’ve ever known. He is exasperating and hysterical. Thrilling and funny and doesn’t do what anyone else does.”

Excited for the Top Gun 2 Maverick premiere today! Check out Cher and I at the original top gun premiere in NYC over thirty five years ago.
My how time flies!#PrepareForTakeOff #TOPGUNMAVERICK @TomCruise @ParamountPics pic.twitter.com/d5WPijqo6n

— Val Kilmer (@valkilmer) May 5, 2022

A love that turned into lifelong friendship

Like many passionate Hollywood love stories, theirs didn’t last forever romantically. But instead of fading away, their relationship transformed into something even deeper.

“It went from madly in love and laughing hysterically to respecting each other’s ability,” Cher shared. “I don’t know how we stayed friends—we just did. We didn’t try. We just were.”

That strong bond stayed with them through the decades, even as their lives and careers moved in different directions.

Standing by him through his toughest fight

In 2015, Val Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer. The illness took a heavy toll on him—he underwent a tracheostomy that changed his voice and required years of treatment. During some of his darkest moments, Cher was right there with him.

“He was at my house a lot of the time he was sick,” she revealed. “He was brave the whole time. I saw how sick he was… he was so sick and coughing up blood.”

Kilmer later documented his journey in the 2021 film Val, showing fans his vulnerable side. Cher praised him for his courage: “Even the worst things, he wanted to be in the documentary because he wanted to show you who he was.”

A final goodbye to ‘Valus’

After his death, Cher took to X (formerly Twitter) to say goodbye in her own loving, quirky way:

“VALUS. Will miss u, U Were Funny, crazy, pain in the ass, GREAT FRIEND, kids ❤️ U, BRILLIANT as Mark Twain, BRAVE here during ur sickness.”

Fans quickly flooded the comments with support. “So sorry for your loss, Cher,” one person wrote. “I know how special he was to you.” Another added, “It’s really sad. I know the bond you shared was real.”

More than a love story

Cher and Val Kilmer’s relationship wasn’t just about red carpet events or tabloid headlines. It was a bond built on laughter, respect, and years of true friendship. Even after their romance ended, they stayed close—a reminder that some relationships don’t need labels to be meaningful.

In remembering Kilmer, Cher didn’t just mourn a former partner. She honored a man she loved, cared for, and supported through his hardest times.

Val Kilmer was a gifted actor who gave the world unforgettable roles—from Top Gun to The Doors—but behind the fame was a complex, funny, and brave soul. Through Cher’s tribute, fans get a rare glimpse into who he really was off-screen.

Their story reminds us that love doesn’t always follow a script. Sometimes, it’s the unexpected relationships that leave the deepest mark.

Do you have a favorite memory of Val Kilmer or his films? Share it in the comments—we’d love to hear.