Cher latest celebrity target of death hoax

The 65-year-old pop star is alive and well. Rumors of her demise, sparked by a Twitter message and the trending topic "RIP Cher," drew the attention of reality show actress Kim Kardashian, who Tweeted to her 12.8 million followers late on Thursday, January 27: "Did I juist hear Cher has passed away? Is this real? OMG. I hope this is a twitter joke and not true. I don't see it on the news anywhere. I'm praying its not true..." Patti Stanger of the Bravo reality show "Millionaire Matchmaker" then reTweeted Kardashian, saying to her own 203,000 followers: "Is this for real? I don't see it anywhere. Can't be!" Kardashian later Tweeted: "Can't believe people would make up a sick joke like Cher died. These people need to get a life! Thanks twitter for clearing that up!" Celebrity death hoaxes are common and have increased amid the growing popularity of social networks. In December, Jon Bon Jovi was the target of one. He responded with a joke, posting a photo on his rock band's official Facebook page that shows him holding up a sign with the current date and time and the words: "Heaven looks a lot like New Jersey."