Cher Turns 80: Celebrating the Armenian-American Icon Who Never Forgot Her Roots and Became One of the World’s Most Recognizable Armenian Voices
- May 20
- 4 min read
As legendary Armenian-American icon Cher celebrates her 80th birthday, The Armenian Report is honoring not only her extraordinary career in music, film, and entertainment, but also her decades of advocacy, humanitarian work, and public support for Armenians around the world. Throughout her life, Cher has used her global platform to speak about the Armenian Genocide, defend Armenians during times of crisis, support humanitarian causes connected to Armenia and Artsakh, and proudly embrace her Armenian heritage on the international stage. From genocide recognition advocacy to humanitarian missions and public statements defending Armenian rights, Cher has remained one of the most internationally recognized Armenian voices in popular culture.
Armenian Heritage & Identity
Cher has publicly spoken many times about being of Armenian descent through her father, John Sarkisian. She has discussed how her Armenian grandparents survived the Armenian Genocide and how that history shaped her understanding of injustice and identity.
Cher has described her Armenian roots as an important part of who she is and has repeatedly embraced her Armenian identity in interviews throughout her career.
“My grandparents survived the Armenian Genocide.”
Advocacy for Armenian Genocide Recognition
Cher has repeatedly called for official international recognition of the Armenian Genocide and has used her platform to raise awareness about genocide denial and historical injustice against Armenians.
In 2017, during promotion for the Armenian Genocide film The Promise, Cher publicly criticized the governments of the United States and the United Kingdom for refusing to fully recognize the Armenian Genocide at the time.
“We’re small. Armenia is landlocked. We have no oil. We have nothing to give them.”
“You’d think they’d do it out of the goodness of their hearts.”
When asked whether then-President Donald Trump would recognize the Armenian Genocide, Cher responded:
“No!”
Cher also emphasized the importance of remembering genocides and warned about the dangers of denial.
“Who, after all, speaks today of the annihilation of the Armenians?”
She referenced the famous Adolf Hitler quote to explain how silence and denial can contribute to future atrocities.
After President Joe Biden officially recognized the Armenian Genocide in 2021, Cher publicly praised the decision.
“Keep the promise to never forget.”
Participation in Armenian Genocide Awareness Through Film
Cher strongly supported the 2016 Armenian Genocide film The Promise.
She attended premieres and publicly promoted the movie because it focused on the Armenian Genocide and Armenian survival.
At promotional events and interviews, Cher spoke emotionally about Armenian history, genocide denial, and the importance of educating younger generations.
“Cher On The Promise: Why Remembering The Armenian Genocide Is So Important”
Support During the Artsakh / Nagorno-Karabakh Crisis
During and after the 2020 Artsakh war, Cher became one of the most outspoken celebrity voices supporting Armenians.
She repeatedly posted about Armenian civilians and humanitarian concerns, condemned Azerbaijani actions, warned about ethnic cleansing and anti-Armenian violence, and amplified calls for international intervention and humanitarian aid.
Cher also urged the United States government to stop military assistance to Azerbaijan.
“It is time to cut and impose sanctions…”
She repeatedly connected the 2020 war to the Armenian Genocide and warned that Armenians were again facing existential danger.
“Genocide denied is genocide continued.”
“You Cannot Erase Us” Advocacy Campaign
Cher co-authored a major public advocacy piece with physician and humanitarian Dr. Eric Esrailian focused on Armenians of Artsakh.
The article highlighted:
destruction of Armenian churches and cultural heritage,
abuse of Armenian POWs,
displacement of Armenians,
dangers facing Armenians in the region,
and the humanitarian crisis affecting Armenians.
The campaign helped bring international attention to the Armenian cause during and after the Artsakh conflict.
Humanitarian Mission to Armenia
In 1993, Cher participated in a humanitarian mission to Armenia during a difficult post-Soviet and wartime period.
According to documented accounts, she:
delivered food and medical supplies,
visited Armenia during a humanitarian crisis,
and later referenced the suffering of Armenians publicly.
Visits to Armenia
Cher has visited Armenia and participated in remembrance activities.
She visited the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex at Tsitsernakaberd in Yerevan and honored victims of the Armenian Genocide publicly.
Armenian Genocide Remembrance Participation
Cher regularly marks April 24 Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day publicly on social media.
She shares photos, remembrance statements, and messages honoring genocide victims and survivors while encouraging international recognition and awareness.
Common themes in her statements include:
“Never forget”
remembrance of Armenian victims,
opposition to genocide denial,
and calls for justice.
Humanitarian & Awareness Efforts
Cher has used her global platform to bring attention to:
Armenian refugees,
displaced Artsakh Armenians,
Armenian prisoners of war,
Armenian Christians,
and threats to Armenian cultural heritage.
She has participated in fundraising and awareness campaigns connected to Armenian humanitarian causes and Armenian survival issues internationally.
Speaking About Anti-Armenian Hate & Cultural Destruction
Cher has publicly discussed:
anti-Armenian hatred promoted by Azerbaijan,
destruction of Armenian churches and monuments,
violence against Armenian POWs and civilians,
and concerns over ethnic cleansing.
Her statements helped bring Armenian issues to mainstream international audiences.
Recognition From Armenia
In 2021, Armenian President Armen Sarkissian officially thanked Cher for her role in genocide recognition efforts.
According to the statement:
“Your influence played a significant role in the international recognition of the Armenian Genocide.”
The president also stated:
“You have always been among the prominent figures fighting against genocide denial.”
Supporting Armenian Visibility in Mainstream Culture
As one of the world’s most famous Armenian-descended entertainers, Cher has long served as a highly visible Armenian figure in global pop culture.
Many Armenians view her public embrace of her Armenian roots as important representation for the Armenian diaspora and for Armenian visibility internationally.
Major Armenian Causes Cher Has Publicly Supported
Armenian Genocide recognition
Artsakh humanitarian advocacy
Armenian cultural preservation
Armenian identity awareness
Protection of Armenian Christians and heritage sites
Armenian humanitarian relief efforts
Armenian POW advocacy
Opposition to genocide denial
International awareness campaigns for Armenians
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