John Paul Sarkisian is best known as the father of global music icon Cher. While Cher’s life and career have been widely documented, public interest has also extended to her family background — particularly questions about how John Paul Sarkisian died.
This article presents the verified and commonly reported facts, without speculation or misinformation.
Who Was John Paul Sarkisian?
John Paul Sarkisian was an Armenian-American truck driver born in the United States. He was married to Georgia Holt, a singer and actress, and together they had one daughter — Cher (born Cherilyn Sarkisian).
His marriage to Holt ended when Cher was still young, and their relationship was often described as strained. As a result, Sarkisian remained largely out of the public eye for most of Cher’s life.
How Did John Paul Sarkisian Die?
John Paul Sarkisian died in 1985 at the age of 58.
According to widely cited biographical sources and interviews, he died from cancer.
No detailed public records specify the exact type of cancer, and Cher herself has rarely spoken publicly about her father’s death, reflecting the distant relationship they had over the years.
Where Did John Paul Sarkisian Die?
John Paul Sarkisian passed away in California, United States, where he had been living prior to his death.
Cher’s Relationship With Her Father
Cher has openly discussed her complicated relationship with her father in interviews over the years. She has described long periods of estrangement and limited contact, though she acknowledged reconnecting briefly later in life.
Despite the difficulties, Sarkisian’s Armenian heritage remained an important part of Cher’s identity, and she has spoken proudly about that aspect of her background.
Why There Is Limited Information
Unlike many celebrity relatives, John Paul Sarkisian was not a public figure. He lived a private life, and details about his health and death were not widely publicized. This explains why information about his illness and passing remains limited.
Conclusion
In summary, John Paul Sarkisian died in 1985 from cancer at the age of 58. While he is remembered primarily as Cher’s father, he lived much of his life outside the spotlight. His death marked the end of a complicated chapter in Cher’s family history, one she has addressed only sparingly and with restraint.
