Cher, 79, explains why age has never been a problem in 40-year gap with boyfriend, 39

The world's longest reigning pop superstar, 79-year-old Cher, has shared the secret to her problem-free relationship with a man 40 years her junior in a startlingly honest interview with CBS' Gayle King.

Cher has been dating Alexander Edwards, 39, for the past three years and is often seen in public with her beau with his young child in tow. But amid the usual criticism and speculation over her age-gap relationship, the 'Believe' singer has hit back at her critics.

Edwards, who goes by 'AE', came into the world during Cher's third musical comeback, just as the pop diva made her successful move to the silver screen with The Witches of Eastwick and Suspect, both released in 1987, just months after AE's birth.

But despite this hefty difference in age and experience, on Tuesday (November 4), the superstar replied to King's question about her young partner with her usual style, saying: "Whatever. They’re not living my life. Nobody knows what goes on between us, but we just have a blast."

Edwards, who works as a music executive at Sony, has no issue with their arrangement, the diva revealed. She added: "He just says, ‘You know, you get older, but your spirit is younger.’”

With 60 years of industry experience under her belt, following her breakthrough with Sonny & Cher, the couple have plenty to talk about. "We laugh all the time, you know? I just love him," she said.

Opening up, Cher added "I think he’s beautiful. He’s really talented. He’s one of the most talented persons I’ve ever met.”

Previously, when asked about her penchant for younger men, Cher gave a brutal response, saying: "The reason I go out with young men is because men my age or older, well, now they’re all dead."

One of the core components of their growing romantic bond is Edwards' young son, six-year-old Slash, who has been snapped on the red carpet alongside his dad and the global superstar.

Cher knew Edwards was 'exactly' right when he walked into her life with a young son (Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame)

Although some might view a child as a distraction, for Cher, it was a sign that her partner was just right.

She revealed: "I used to say, ‘God, give me a toddler and a man," and when Edwards walked into her life, she got 'exactly' what her heart desired. The star described the six-year-old as 'so funny', adding: "He’s so smart. He’s a delight."

The candid moment came in the midst of an interview to promote her latest product, a brand of ice cream being sold under the name 'Cherlato', with flavours developed by the pop superstar herself. But, Cher asserted, this is not just another celebrity cash-grab.

She told King: "First, I want to say this: I get offered to do everything. I just don't want to because people feel that I wouldn't lie to them. I don't ever want that to change."