Gregg Allman’s Admits Why His Marriage with Cher Didn’t Work Out

Gregg Allman, the legendary southern rocker and founding member of the Allman Brothers Band, was known for his soulful music and a personal life that was just as colorful. In a candid conversation with journalist Dan Rather, Allman opened up about his marriages—including his high-profile union with pop superstar Cher—and why they all ultimately didn’t last.

“We Were All Wrong”

Gregg Allman’s marriage to Cher in 1975 had all the makings of a headline-grabbing love story. But even Allman admits it wasn’t meant to last. “I do not belong in Beverly Hills and she wasn’t going to come down south,” he explained. The couple came from two very different worlds—Cher’s was rooted in glamorous Hollywood, while Allman was deeply tied to the southern lifestyle. “Try to find a black-eyed pea in Marin County… or a chicken fried steak,” he joked, adding:

“As much as anything with Cher, it was a regional difference.”

Even though fans hoped they’d make it work, Allman said:

“We were all wrong. Yeah, I was too.”

Why His Other Marriages Failed

Allman was married six times, and he doesn’t shy away from taking the blame. “I will have to say I was the reason… It was definitely my fault that they didn’t work,” he admitted. One of the biggest issues, he said, was that his partners often tried to change him.

“They loved me for who I was and immediately started trying to change me. And I just won’t do it.”

Despite his wild image, Allman said his lifestyle had calmed down over the years. “It’s not as crazy as it used to be, thank goodness… but I love the life I live.” He also revealed that most of his wives actually proposed to him—not the other way around.

“I think I only asked one of them to marry me. The others asked me.”

Lessons Learned

Looking back, Allman realized that love without friendship doesn’t last. “You have to become friends before you can ever entertain the idea of speaking the word… love.” He and Cher eventually became close friends again, but he joked, “Not that I want to do it again.” When asked if he’d ever get married a seventh time, Allman didn’t rule it out, but said:

“The courtship would have to be three or four years.”

A Life of Music and Meaning

Though Allman once considered dental school, music won out thanks to his brother Duane’s encouragement. His songwriting journey wasn’t easy—he said he tossed around 200 songs before finding something that worked. The first tune he wrote that stuck? “Melissa.” Inspired by a little girl’s name he overheard at a grocery store, that three-syllable name gave life to one of his most beloved ballads.

From failed marriages to timeless music, Gregg Allman’s life was anything but ordinary—and he owned every moment of it.