Is it possible for a love triangle to form between three of the most iconic figures in music history? Cher, Diana Ross, and Gene Simmons, these names evoke an era when music was more than just sound; it was an experience. Their personal lives became intertwined in ways that captivated fans worldwide, creating one of the most intriguing narratives from the late 1970s.
The story begins with Cher and Gene Simmons meeting at a fundraiser for then-California Governor Jerry Brown in early 1978. At this point, Simmons was at the zenith of his fame as the frontman of KISS, while Cher had already established herself as a solo artist following her successful run with Sonny & Cher. Despite their different worlds, they quickly developed a connection, becoming an item soon after their initial encounter. This relationship was not kept under wraps; instead, they gave their first joint interview to People Magazine in 1979. During this interview, Cher expressed her excitement about building a life with Simmons, mentioning plans for a home in Benedict Canyon. Meanwhile, Simmons reciprocated by declaring Cher as his first real love. He described her as someone who possessed an untainted soul, emphasizing her kindness and purity.
| Name | Gene Simmons |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 25, 1949 |
| Place of Birth | Haifa, Israel |
| Career | Musician, Actor, Entrepreneur |
| Professional Information | Co-founder of KISS, TV Personality, Author |
However, the fairytale romance did not last long. Reports suggest that Cher's suggestion for Diana Ross to accompany Simmons on a gift-buying trip led to complications within their relationship. It is believed that during this outing, Simmons and Ross formed a bond, which eventually culminated in them dating. This turn of events brought an abrupt end to Cher and Simmons' relationship, leaving many questions unanswered regarding the dynamics among these three legendary figures.
Adding another layer to this narrative, Cher later shared anecdotes involving Diana Ross during interviews. One such incident involved Chaz, Cher's child, owning a hamster named after Diana Ross. When Cher returned home from a tour, she was informed by her cook that Diana Ross is dead, referring to the hamster. Initially mistaking it for actual news about Diana Ross, Cher reacted emotionally before realizing the misunderstanding. Such moments highlight the camaraderie and mutual respect between Cher and Diana Ross despite any past tensions.
In October 2023, TELEGRAPH Magazine featured an article exploring how gay icons like Cher, Diana Ross, Barbra Streisand, and Judy Garland have influenced the world. The publication included portraits of these influential women, celebrating their contributions to music and culture. While discussing friendships and rivalries, the magazine touched upon the complexities surrounding Cher and Diana Ross's relationship post-Simmons era. Although both artists maintained professional cordiality throughout their careers, rumors persisted about whether their friendship survived the alleged love triangle.
Gene Simmons addressed some aspects of this controversy during various interviews, including one conducted by Andy Cohen for SiriusXM. Here, Simmons discussed his perspectives on relationships with celebrities such as Donald Trump and Diana Ross. Regarding Cher, he reiterated sentiments expressed earlier—that she remained his truest love. Yet, acknowledging human nature, he admitted that people often find themselves drawn towards others unexpectedly.
For Cher, reflecting on friendships with fellow legends like Bette Midler, Elton John, and Diana Ross provided opportunities to share humorous yet insightful stories. Speaking candidly with Rylan, she revealed details about interactions among these iconic personalities, shedding light on their enduring bonds beyond public perception.
Ultimately, the tale of Cher, Diana Ross, and Gene Simmons serves as a reminder of how personal relationships can intertwine with professional achievements. As each pursued their respective paths in music and entertainment, they left indelible marks on history. Whether through collaborations, friendly banter, or even contentious episodes, their collective legacy continues inspiring generations.
