For more than six decades, Cher has been called many things—a diva, an icon, a rebel, even “too much.” But one label that has never fit the pop legend, despite the whispers, is “unintelligent.” Rumors have circulated suggesting she isn’t “book smart,” yet Cher has never stayed silent. Instead, she’s shut down those misconceptions with her trademark blend of humor, grace, and razor-sharp truth.

When asked about people who underestimate her intelligence, Cher laughed and said, “If I had a low IQ, I wouldn’t have lasted five minutes in this business—let alone fifty years.”

Her point is undeniable. Cher built her empire not only with immense talent but with sharp business acumen and bold foresight. Long before many artists demanded creative control, she was producing her own shows, designing costumes, negotiating contracts, and constantly reinventing her image—from The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour to Believe to her iconic Las Vegas residencies.

“I’ve been underestimated since I was 19,” she once remarked. “At first, I tried to prove people wrong. Now I just let success do it for me.”

Cher’s sharp wit has become as legendary as her voice. When told she needed to find a rich man, she famously replied, “Mom, I am a rich man.”

That line—and her entire career—stands as proof that intelligence isn’t measured by IQ tests or degrees. It’s about instinct, resilience, and knowing your worth even when the world doubts you.

At 79, Cher continues to outthink, outwork, and outlast nearly everyone in the industry. Time and again, she proves: you can doubt the numbers, but never the mind.