Cher‘s mother, Georgia Holt, has passed away at the age of 96. Holt, who was also a singer and actress, had been in declining health in recent years, being hospitalised with pneumonia back in September.
Born in Kensett, Arkansas, Holt began her entertainment career as a child in the 1930s and was known for her distinctive voice and strong stage presence. She released several singles and the album ‘Honky Tonk Woman’, throughout her career, and even made appearances on television shows such as I Love Lucy, The Ed Sullivan Show and The Tonight Show.
Holt and her daughter, who she had with her former husband, John Sarkisian, remained close throughout Holt’s life aside from some tumultuous years in Cher’s early teens. Cher made her mother the subject of the 2013 Lifetime documentary, Dear Mom, Love Cher.
Cher took to social media to express the news of her mother’s passing, posting simply: “Mom is gone” on Twitter.
Fans and fellow celebrities have been sending their condolences to Cher and her family during this difficult time. Holt’s death marks the end of a long and storied career in show business, and she will be greatly missed by many.