Sonny Bono proposed to Cher, but she declined.
Salvatore Phillip `` Sonny '' Bono -LRB- -LSB- ˈboʊnoʊ -RSB- February 16 , 1935 -- January 5 , 1998 -RRB- was an American singer , producer , and politician who came to fame in partnership with his second wife Cher , as the popular singing duo Sonny & Cher .. Cher. Cher. Sonny & Cher. Sonny & Cher. He was mayor of Palm Springs , California from 1988 to 1992 , and congressman for California 's 44th district from 1995 until his death in 1998 .. 44th. California's 44th congressional district. The United States Federal Copyright Term Extension Act , which extended the term of copyright by 20 years , is now commonly known as the Sonny Bono Act .. Copyright Term Extension Act. Copyright Term Extension Act