Legendary singer Cher has broken her silence over the revelation that her daughter is undergoing a sex change to become a man, according to People magazine.

Chaz Bono -- Cher's daughter with her late singer and ex-husband Sono Bono -- announced her gender reassignment intentions last week.

"Chaz is embarking on a difficult journey, but one that I will support," Cher said in a statement to People. "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."

According to TMZ.com, Cher has been aware of Bono's sex change plans for a year.

Bono, 40, began the transition earlier this year.

Bono's publicist, Howard Bragman, released a statement confirming Bono's gender reassignment last week.

"Yes, it's true -- Chaz, after many years of consideration, has made the courageous decision to honor his true identity," Bragman said. "He is proud of his decision and grateful for the support and respect that has already been shown by his loved ones. It is Chaz's hope that his choice to transition will open the hearts and minds of the public regarding this issue, just as his 'coming out' did nearly 20 years ago."