Cher Recalls Turning Down Elvis Presley: "I Was Nervous of His Reputation

Despite being a fan of Elvis Presley since childhood, Cher declined his invitation to spend a weekend in Las Vegas due to concerns about his reputation and struggles with substance abuse.

In a recent appearance on "The Jennifer Hudson Show," Cher opened up about her decision to turn down an invitation from the late music icon Elvis Presley. Despite being a fan of Presley since she was a child, Cher expressed hesitation about pursuing a romantic relationship with him due to his reputation and struggles with substance abuse.

"It was because I just was – I was nervous and I knew of the people around him, and it wasn’t that they were bad people, it's just that I was kind of nervous of his reputation," Cher revealed. "I’m really shy when I’m not working and kind of shy around men," she added.

While Cher has been open about her preferences for dating younger men, she explained that older men her age or older were often intimidated to approach her. As a result, she found herself drawn to younger men who were more comfortable making advances.

Cher's boyfriend, music executive Alexander "A.E." Edwards, is 40 years younger than her. She will turn 78 on May 20.

In a previous appearance on "The Kelly Clarkson Show," Cher had expressed her admiration for Presley, saying that she had attended his performance at the Pan Pacific when she was 10 years old.

"When I was 10 years old, my mom took me to the Pan Pacific to see Elvis. I just – I really loved him," Cher said. "And then when I got older – not this old – but older, he invited me to Las Vegas."

According to Cher, Presley's invitation came at a time when he was struggling with substance abuse. She shared that his declining health and involvement with drugs influenced her decision to decline his offer.

"And I was so terrified that I couldn't do it," Cher said of Presley's invitation. "He was on the downside of himself… And I don't mean like handsome… He was on the downside of the drugs and stuff like that."

Later in his life, Presley faced significant health challenges due to his substance abuse issues. He passed away in 1977 after being found unresponsive.

Cher emphasized that she avoided romantic relationships with other musicians who struggled with substance abuse, citing her previous experience with her ex-husband, Sonny Bono.

"You don't want to get involved with another musician who does drugs," Cher stated. "I did that," likely referring to Bono.

Despite her decision to decline Presley's invitation, Cher acknowledged her admiration for his talent and legacy. She expressed that she would have been honored to meet him under different circumstances.

"He was the most handsome man I ever saw," Cher said of Presley. "I mean, he was gorgeous."

Cher's candid account provides insight into the complexities of navigating personal relationships in the entertainment industry, particularly when faced with concerns about reputation and substance abuse.