Cher addresses controversy over 40-year age gap with boyfriend Alexander Edwards

Three years after first going public with her considerably-younger man, Cher has finally hit back at the haters.

For those in need of a reminder, the music legend, 79, has been dating boyfriend Alexander 'AE' Edwards since 2022, having first met with music producer at a Paris Fashion Week event in September 2022.

After two months of casual dates and ceaseless texting, the couple became official, and were photographed venturing out in Los Angeles together in November of that year, holding one another's hand.

Despite Cher previously expressing how much her man means to hear - writing on social media last year that 'love doesn't know math' - critics have constantly condemned their relationship, given the fact that Edwards is 39 years old.

"I’m sorry but he looks like her son," one troll hit out on Reddit recently.

The couple have been together since 2022 (John Nacion/WWD via Getty Images)

Another added: "40 years are 40 years, I find it weird, no matter the gender. But it’s just my opinion, there’s nothing wrong with thinking differently so it’s nothing against you."

Sitting down with CBS Mornings' Gayle King this week, however, the 'Goddess of Pop' was asked all about her age-gap romance, going on to finally have her say on those who've branded her 'too old' for Edwards.

During the interview, the mother-of-two was asked whether she's aware that her cross-generational romance has proven to be quite the talking point among online critics, to which she candidly responded: "Whatever."

Cher then of said the keyboard warriors: "They’re not living my life. Nobody knows what goes on between us, but we just have a blast."

King also asked the star what her other-half makes of the 40 years between them, to which she claimed Edwards couldn't care less.

"Thank God," Cher continued. "He just says, 'You know, you get older, but your spirit is younger'."

Cher has also forged a bond with Edwards' son (Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame)

Thankfully, for any singletons reading this who are considering bagging themselves a toy-boy, Cher also went on to reveal what makes her current relationship more special than others she's enjoyed before.

"We laugh all the time, you know?" she admitted. "I just love him. I think he’s beautiful. He’s really talented."

Cher gushed of her man: "He’s one of the most talented persons I’ve ever met."

The Burlesque actress also sweetly credited Edwards for having brought his six-year-old son Slash - with whom he shares with reality star and model Amber Rose - into her life, claiming she'd been seeking some young energy.

"I used to say, 'God, give me a toddler and a man'," she laughed, adding that she got 'exactly' what she'd hoped for.

Cher continued: "He’s so funny. He’s so smart. He’s a delight."