Cher is officially 80, but her friend claims she has mixed reactions about her age milestone.

The singer, dubbed the “Goddess of Pop,” became an octogenarian on Wednesday, May 20. However, she reportedly marked her new age without any fanfare.

Cher has enjoyed a multifaceted career as a singer and an actress, breaking barriers for women and becoming one of the most influential figures in popular culture.

Cher Reportedly Has Mixed Feelings About Being An Octogenarian

According to new reports, Cher did not mark her new age with a massive birthday bash because she has mixed feelings about turning 80. One of her friends explained that she has plenty to be grateful for, from her personal life to her career, including working on a docuseries about her life.

“But when you talk to her, she says this is a bittersweet time in her life. She’s not in the mood for a big celebration,” Cher’s friend claimed. They told Daily Mail that the entertainer kept busy, working on the second part of her memoir and contemplating going on tour for the last time.

As for why Cher felt bittersweet about her new age despite her happy life, the friend cited her troubled son as one of the reasons. Cher welcomed two sons from two different relationships, with her youngest, Elijah Blue, currently in a psychiatric facility due to a severe drug addiction.

The ‘Burlesque’ Star Is Worried About Her Youngest Son

Cher’s pal explained that Elijah’s addiction problems weighed heavily on his mother’s mind, as she continues to do everything in her power to help him. They noted that Cher even divorced Elijah’s father, Greg Allman, because he was a drug addict.

“She will not give him money for drugs. She has learned to live with the heartache, but she will never give up on him,” Cher’s friend said about her support for Elijah. As for her oldest son, Chaz Bono, she stood by his side when he famously transitioned from female to male.

The friend added that Cher continues to enjoy a great relationship with her oldest son, claiming, “She’s very proud of him and the person he’s become.” Another person responsible for Cher’s happiness is her nearly four-year partner, music producer Alexander Edwards, who is 40 years her junior.

The Goddess Of Pop Is Glowing In Love And Happiness 

Cher’s pal raved about her youthful spirit, declaring that she looks at least two decades younger than her age. They credited Cher’s glow to her ability to enjoy life, noting that “she’s very happy in her personal life.”

A source echoed similar sentiments, crediting Edwards for keeping Cher happy. They claimed the couple was not impacted by their significant age gap, saying, “They’re very sweet together. They’re always laughing and joking.” As for why Cher didn’t mind dating younger men, the source added:

“People have always sneered at Cher for liking younger men, but why not? She refuses to apologize for it. She’s always challenged double standards around aging.”

The Entertainer Lost Her Second Conservatorship Request

While Cher has her doting boyfriend to thank for keeping her smiling, saving her youngest son from his demons remains her biggest headache. A month before her 80th birthday, The Blast reported that Cher had lost her second attempt to place Elijah under conservatorship.

Cher filed a second conservatorship request, hoping to stop Elijah from having control over his finances because of his addiction. She claimed her son had spent the money he received from his late father’s estate to buy drugs, describing Elijah as “gravely disabled.”

However, a Los Angeles judge countered Cher’s argument. The legal umpire denied the conservatorship request because Elijah was no longer in a position where he could squander his finances on drugs. He has been placed in a psychiatric hospital to undergo treatment for his addiction.

Cher Reportedly Prioritizes Her Troubled Son Over Her Career

Days before her age milestone, The Blast shared that sources claimed Cher had not given up on her son despite losing her second conservatorship request. They noted she remained devoted to helping Elijah, going as far as to prioritize him over her career.

“Nothing else matters right now. It’s all about her son,” an insider declared. They explained that Cher was “fully hands-on” regarding Elijah’s recovery, from every little decision and step needed. Another source echoed similar sentiments, praising Cher as “completely devoted.”

The sources added that Cher was there for her son emotionally, a claim that came at the heels of their financial separation. Reports noted that Elijah had requested a reduction in his spousal support payments to his ex-wife, revealing he no longer received financial support from his mother. 

Happy birthday, Cher!