Quote of the day by Cher: 'Men are not necessities, they’re luxuries. You don’t need them, but they’re really wonderful...' A reminder from American music legend that relationships should come from choice, not dependency

The quote of the day is from Cher, an American singer, actress, and cultural icon whose career has stretched across more than six decades. She is known for constantly reinventing herself, moving from pop music success in the 1960s with Sonny & Cher to a solo music career, and later becoming an Academy Award-winning actress. Over the years, she has built a public image of independence, honesty, and a refusal to fit into traditional expectations, especially when it comes to fame, age, and relationships.

“Men are not necessities, they’re luxuries. You don’t need them, but they’re really wonderful.”

This quote, spoken by Cher during a CBS News Sunday Morning interview with Jane Pauley in 1996, has often been repeated because of how direct it sounds. At first reading, it can seem like a rejection of relationships, but that is not really the point she was making.


What Cher is saying here is about independence. The idea is that a person does not need a romantic partner to complete their life or give it meaning. Life can be full and stable on its own, without depending on someone else for emotional survival.

Relationships as Choice, Not Need

The second layer of meaning in the quote is about choice. By calling men a “luxury,” Cher is placing relationships in the category of something that adds joy and comfort rather than something that is required. A luxury is not essential, but it is appreciated when present.

So the message is not about rejecting love. It is more about shifting the mindset away from dependency. Relationships, in her framing, work best when they are optional, not necessary for identity or stability.

Early Life and the Road to Fame

Cher was born Cherilyn Sarkisian on May 20, 1946, in El Centro, California. Her early life was unstable in many ways. Her mother, Georgia Holt, struggled with financial difficulties and multiple marriages, and Cher spent part of her childhood in an orphanage during a period when her family could not support her.

School was also difficult for her because she struggled with dyslexia, which was not diagnosed at the time. She eventually dropped out at 16 and moved to Los Angeles, determined to build a career in entertainment despite very limited resources.

Sonny & Cher and Early Success

Her life changed after meeting Sonny Bono, who became both her husband and creative partner. Together they formed the duo Sonny & Cher, and their breakthrough came in 1965 with the hit “I Got You Babe.” The song made them international stars and defined an era of 1960s pop culture.

They later expanded into television with The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour, which combined music, comedy, and personal chemistry, turning them into household names. Even after their marriage ended, Cher continued building her own identity in entertainment.

Solo Career, Acting, and Reinvention

After separating from Sonny Bono, Cher built a strong solo music career in the 1970s with hits like “Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves” and “Half-Breed.” Her style became more distinct over time, especially through her collaboration with designer Bob Mackie, known for her bold stage looks.

She later moved into acting and earned critical recognition with films like Silkwood and Mask. In 1988, she won the Academy Award for Best Actress for Moonstruck, confirming her place in Hollywood beyond music.

Cher’s career continued into the 1990s and beyond with major music success, including the global hit “Believe” in 1998, which introduced a new vocal production style that became known as the “Cher effect.” She continued performing, touring, and appearing in films and television across generations.

Her long career is often described as one of constant reinvention. From music to film to live performance, Cher has remained relevant in different decades without following a fixed path.