A heartbroken Cher posted a tribute to her ex-husband Gregg Allman after learning of the music legend’s death at age 69.
Cher, who recently celebrated her 71st birthday, shared her devastation at the news in a series of tweets dedicated to “Gui”.
Allman had been diagnosed with Hepatitis C in 1999 and had a liver transplant in 2010, but his manager Michael Lehman told The Associated Press his death was the result of cancer the singer had kept quiet.
“It’s a result of his reoccurrence of liver cancer than had come back five years ago,” Lehman said. “He kept it very private because he wanted to continue to play music until he couldn’t.”
Cher and Allman were known for their tumultuous relationship which resulted in marriage three days after her divorce from Sonny Bono was finalised.
Cher wanted to dissolve the marriage just nine days later, but Allman won her back and they stayed married for two more years and had son Elijah Blue.
The singer’s last concert was in October 2016 after health problems forced him to cancel upcoming shows.
Although funeral arrangements are yet to be finalised, Lehman said it was in Allman’s wishes to be buried alongside his brother and band member Duane Allman in Macon, Georgia – the city The Allman Brothers were first noticed.
Cher was far from the only singer to pay their condolences to the rock and blues legend, with Ringo Starr, Chris Evans, Keith Urban, and Melissa Etheridge also posting about his death.
Lehman took to his website to share his thoughts of the icon.
“I have lost a dear friend and the world has lost a brilliant pioneer in music.
“He was a kind and gentle soul with the best laugh I ever heard. His love for his family and bandmates was passionate as was the love he had for his extraordinary fans.
Gregg was an incredible partner and an even better friend. We will all miss him.”