Cher and boyfriend Alexander “A.E.” Edwards have proven the critics wrong and lasted well over a year now, and she’s taken things to the next level by giving him a key to come and go as he pleases at her lavish Malibu mansion, a source exclusively tells In Touch. 

“Cher and A.E. have had their ups and downs. but things are going really well right now between them and have been for a while,” the source explains. “He’s actually been a wonderful support through some very tough times, he’s really stepped up and proven he’s someone she can count on and she wants to show him that by taking this next step.” 

The “If I Could Turn Back Time” singer, 78, has had a complicated relationship with her kids – Elijah, her 48-year-old son with late rocker Greg Allman, and Chaz, her 55-year-old child from her marriage to the late Sonny Bono – for years and has been relying on her much-younger beau’s support throughout. While many thought the 38-year-old was just a piece of arm candy for the iconic songstress, it turns out he’s been front and center of her emotional world helping her cope with the estrangement and stress.

As Cher prepares to take the next step in their relationship, the source notes it signals a shift in her entire outlook on men.

“It’s huge for her, because for many years now she’s kept men more at a distance, so letting him move in says a lot about how happy he’s making her,” the insider says, adding “She also adores having his son Slash around, she always says what a cute kid he is. Playing with him is very fun for Cher, she’s naturally very maternal, she loves it.” 

A second source who previously spoke to In Touch confirmed that The Goddess of Pop absolutely adores the little one. “She isn’t trying to play stepmom to Slash. She’s very clear that she’s not interested in that role, she’s more interested in being like a fun fairy godmother,” that insider said. “His wish is basically her command. She’s having the best time with him.”

The insider added that while Cher “always wanted grandkids,” she’s “jumping at this chance to have a cute little kid in her life,” considering her access to any future grandkids may not be a sure thing, given the tumultuous relationship she has with her own children.

Despite how people have treated the singer and her age-gap relationship, the two are going strong without a care in the world for what they have to say, much like Cher’s peer Madonna and her 28-year-old boyfriend Akeem Morris.

“Cher knows plenty of people judge her for the age gap between her and A.E. and question if she’s getting taken for a ride, but she doesn’t care,” the first source continues. “He makes her happy and she makes him happy and the rest in no one’s business. She’s always been a trailblazer and she’s proud to still be kicking down doors at her age.”