Lasting Legacy of Cher: A Look at the Influence on History
How the contributions of Cher continue to shape the world today.
Cher, often called the "Goddess of Pop," is a highly successful American singer, actress, and television personality. Celebrated for her distinctive contralto voice, diverse career spanning music, film, and television, and striking visual style, Cher has built a public persona embodying strong, independent women. Her capacity for reinvention has enabled numerous career resurgences, establishing her as a lasting cultural icon.
1971: Reference in Will & Grace
In 2000, the Will & Grace episode title "Gypsies, Tramps and Weed" was released referencing Cher's 1971 song "Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves".
1988: Impact on Women Moviegoers
Following Cher's 1988 Oscar win, Stephanie Brush highlighted her impact on women moviegoers in The New York Times.
1992: VH1's 100 Greatest Women in Music
Between 1992 and 2012, Cher was ranked 31st on VH1's list of "The 100 Greatest Women in Music".
1992: Madame Tussauds Statue
In 1992, Madame Tussauds wax museum honored Cher as one of the five "most beautiful women of history" by creating a life-size statue.
1996: "Mom, I am a rich man" Interview
Cher's 1996 interview with Jane Pauley for Dateline NBC became a viral video, featuring her quote, "Mom, I am a rich man."
May 20, 1998: Sonny & Me: Cher Remembers airs
On May 20, 1998, Cher hosted the CBS special Sonny & Me: Cher Remembers, a tribute to Sonny Bono following his death. Later in May, Sonny and Cher received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Television
May 1999: CFDA Award
In May 1999, The Council of Fashion Designers of America recognized Cher with an award for her influence on fashion.
2001: Ranked as Favorite Leading Actress
In a 2001 poll, Biography magazine ranked Cher as their third favorite leading actress of all time.
2002: VH1's Sexiest Artists List
In 2002, Cher was ranked 26th on VH1's list of the "100 Sexiest Artists".
2003: Ranked on VH1's "200 Greatest Pop Culture Icons"
In 2003, Cher was ranked at number 41 on VH1's list of "The 200 Greatest Pop Culture Icons".
2003: 'I Got You Babe' Listed Among Greatest Songs
In 2003, Rolling Stone listed "I Got You Babe" among "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time", solidifying its status as a classic hit.
2003: "I Got You Babe" Featured on Rolling Stone's List
Sonny & Cher's "I Got You Babe" was featured on Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" list in 2003.
2010: Inspiration for Mother Gothel
In 2010, Cher served as the inspiration for the character Mother Gothel in Disney's "Tangled", with the director citing her "exotic and Gothic looking" appearance as a visual basis.
2012: VH1's 100 Greatest Women in Music
Between 1992 and 2012, Cher was ranked 31st on VH1's list of "The 100 Greatest Women in Music".
2016: Dateline NBC Interview Goes Viral
In 2016, Cher's 1996 interview for Dateline NBC's Jane Pauley became a viral video.
2018: Appearance in 'Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again' and The Cher Show
In 2018, Cher appeared in 'Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again'. Her life and career also inspired the jukebox musical 'The Cher Show'.
2019: "Mom, I am a rich man" Quote in Taylor Swift's Music Video
Cher's "Mom, I am a rich man" quote was included in Taylor Swift's 2019 music video "You Need to Calm Down".
2021: "Believe" Appears on Rolling Stone's List
In 2021, "Believe" appeared on the revised list of Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Songs of All Time".
2021: "Believe" listed in "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time"
In 2021, Rolling Stone listed "Believe" among "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time".
2025: Value of Farewell Tour Adjusted for Inflation
As of 2025, the $250 million earned by Cher's Living Proof: The Farewell Tour in 2002-2005, would equate to about $402 million, when adjusted for inflation.
