The beloved pop icon, Cher, recently shared a heartfelt tribute after the passing of her former boyfriend, Val Kilmer, shedding light on the deep connection they shared over many years.
On April 2, 2025, Cher made a touching public display of honoring Val Kilmer, who passed away at the start of the month. The singer, who was romantically linked with Val in the 80s, celebrated his humor, creativity, and resilience during his health battles. Known for films like “Top Gun” and “The Doors,” Val Kilmer passed away on April 1.
Cher and Val Kilmer during the Bette Midler Video Party on January 9, 1984, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
In a heartfelt post shared on social media, Cher expressed her feelings, writing, “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 [sic].” She referred to him lovingly as “Valus,” a nickname from their time together.
The romantic chapter for the pair ended, but they maintained a friendship that lasted more than four decades. Cher has frequently shown affection for many of her past partners in interviews, but with Val, she confessed, “When we kissed, I thought my head would explode.”
Cher and Val Kilmer during the 36th Annual Tony Awards After Party on June 6, 1982, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Their journey began in the early 1980s at a birthday gathering hosted by a mutual friend of Cher’s. Although she was in her 30s and Val in his early 20s, a shared sense of humor and passion for creativity quickly drew them to each other.
While they started as friends who shared many laughs, it soon blossomed into a romance. In a 2021 interview with People, Cher reminisced about their peculiar bond, stating, “He’s incomparable. Exasperating and hilarious, thrilling and funny, he marches to his own beat like no one else.”
Cher and Val Kilmer during the BAFTA Awards on March 25, 1984, in London, England | Source: Getty Images
Over time, their relationship shifted to one of mutual admiration. “It evolved from overwhelming love and laughter to respect for each other’s talents,” Cher mentioned. The pair playfully called each other nicknames like Sid and Ethel and later, Valus Maximus and Cherus Reprimandus.
During a 2024 segment on “The Howard Stern Show,” Cher candidly discussed the men who left her, including Val. She emphasized being “madly in love” with him, but acknowledged that some partnerships aren’t meant to last forever, especially since Val was quite young at the time.
Despite this, their friendship remained. Cher nostalgically recalled a delightful New Year’s Eve creating art with their children and expressed how Val supported her acting career, even helping with her “Mask” screen test.
Cher and Val Kilmer during the 55th Annual Academy Awards on April 11, 1983, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
During Val’s illness, Cher was there for him, offering her home as a place of comfort. Diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014, Val’s journey was challenging but marked by resilience, evident in works like the “Val” documentary.
She warmly concluded a 2021 interview with this message to him, “I love all the things that drove me crazy: the laughter, the surprise, the anger, the hurt, the wonder. You are brave and incredibly smart. With love, Ethel.”
The talented actor Val Kilmer, recognized for his portrayals of Jim Morrison and Batman, passed away in Los Angeles at 65, leaving many mourners, including Cher.
Val Kilmer during an interview in Munich in 1992 | Source: Getty Images
His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, shared that he peacefully succumbed to pneumonia. Born on December 31, 1959, in Los Angeles, Val was raised in the city’s Chatsworth area.
During the 1990s, Val became a star, showcasing his range beyond mere blockbuster titles. A memorable stint as Batman in “Batman Forever” (1995) involved battles with villains played by Tommy Lee Jones and Jim Carrey, although opinions about the film’s reception were mixed.
Val and Mercedes Kilmer at the 2019 Annual Thespians Go Hollywood Gala on November 18, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
Val’s real-life encounters mirrored onscreen dramas: after a throat cancer diagnosis, a tracheotomy affected his voice significantly. During tough times, Mercedes had her own medical ordeal, recovering from a car accident. “I found myself in the same hospital during one of Dad’s battles,” she recalled, with Jack, her brother, remembering the poignant days spent nearby.
Val Kilmer at Simply Shakespeare’s Live Read of “The Merchant Of Venice” in 2019 | Source: Getty Images
Through faith as a Christian Scientist and chemotherapy, Val leaned into spirituality throughout his recovery, strengthening his bond with his children.
Val quietly returned to movie sets by 2020. In “Paydirt,” an indie film where he starred alongside Mercedes, Val embraced playing a sheriff facing similar health struggles.
“It was groundbreaking to have a lead performer with speech challenges,” Mercedes shared, noting how her father’s physical expression offered acting insights that she found invaluable.
Mercedes Kilmer at “Val” photocall during the 74th annual Cannes Film Festival on July 7, 2021, in France. | Source: Getty Images
Undeterred by adversity, Val embraced change gracefully. He humorously quipped, “Even the Batmobile gets smarter every half-year!” regarding industry evolution. Thus, “Paydirt” transcended film to become a testament to his resilience.
In a joint interview with Mercedes, Val shared candid thoughts on aging, saying, “I’m feeling much better than I sound!” His altered voice didn’t diminish his indomitable spirit.
On March 23, he posted an artwork, a testament to his vibrant creativity with the words “It’s that late-night glow. Cool tones with a low burn, like when the campfire dies down but you’re still wide awake.”
Years prior, in June 2019, Val spoke about his artistic mission, valuing art’s power to teach and inspire. This extended to his acting, seeking truth in roles that could bridge understanding and empathy, supported by his TwainMania Foundation efforts for literacy and tolerance.
The everlasting impact stems not only from his performances but his ability to completely immerse himself in roles, earning accolades and admirers worldwide.
His work in “Top Secret!” and “The Doors” left indelible marks, as did parts in “Tombstone” and “Heat.” Consistently demonstrating a blend of dedication and artistry, each role showcased his enigmatic essence.
Val Kilmer at the United Nations headquarters on July 20, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
Despite personal trials, his creative legacy continues to inspire artists and fans alike. Val Kilmer is remembered for his fearless commitment and memorable portrayals on-screen. He leaves behind a legacy that will continue to resonate with audiences everywhere.
Our heartfelt condolences go to Val Kilmer’s family during this time. Rest in peace, Val Kilmer. May your artistry continue to inspire many generations.