Cher Emerges Victorious in Royalties Legal Battle Against Mary Bono, Widow of Sonny Bono

Cher won her legal dispute against Mary Bono, the widow of Sonny Bono. A federal judge ruled in Cher's favor on May 29. Cher, 78, will receive royalties for songs recorded with Sonny during their marriage, as decided in their 1978 divorce settlement. After Sonny's death in 1998, Cher and his family agreed on rights. But Mary claimed she no longer had to pay royalties.

Mary invoked the Copyright Act's "termination rights" in 2016, which allows songwriters to reclaim publishing rights after 35 years. Cher sued five years later, asserting her entitlement to the 50 percent cut received in the settlement. Mary alleges federal provision cannot be waived. Cher will continue to receive royalties, over $400,000 accumulated from legal battle, for hits like "I Got You Babe" and "The Beat Goes On".

Judge Kronstadt ruled Cher has a right to financial compensation in her divorce settlement. "A right to royalties is separate from copyright grant," per Billboard. Sonny & Cher gained popularity in the `60s and performed together until their breakup. Before parting ways, the duo earned two Grammy nominations and sold 40 million records globally.

Cher became the "Goddess of Pop" through her successful solo career, while Sonny ventured into politics. Sonny and Mary married in 1986 and stayed together until his skiing accident in 1998. Cher gave an eulogy at his funeral. The Moonstruck actress was married to Gregg Allman from 1975-1979 and had one child, Chaz Bono, with Sonny. She also had a son, Elijah Blue Allman, with the Allman Brothers Band singer.

Cher filed for conservatorship of her youngest son, Elijah, due to his alleged substance abuse issues, claiming he is unable to manage his finances. Cher and Elijah agreed to temporarily halt legal proceedings on the conservatorship after a private mediation session earlier this month.