Oscar winning actress and pop diva Cher said she supports Chaz Bono's decision to transition from female to male, which he announced shortly after his 40th birthday. She released a statement to US magazine saying that she respects his decision.

Born Chastity to Cher and Sonny Bono, as a child, Chaz frequently appeared on The Sonny and Cher Show in the early 70's.

Last week Chaz's publicist Howard Bragman broke the news that Chaz had begun to transition from female to male.

Just this Wednesday Cher released a statement in support of him.

Here's what the icon had to say:
"Chaz is embarking on a difficult journey, but one that I will support. I respect the courage it takes to go through this transition in the glare of public scrutiny, and although I may not understand, I will strive to be understanding. The one thing that will never change is my abiding love for my child."