Much-loved US singer - is he dead? (9)

I believe the answer is:

cherished

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'much-loved us' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'singer is he dead?' is the wordplay.
'singer' becomes 'cher' (American singer).
'cher'+'is'+'he'+'d'='CHERISHED'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for cherished that I've seen before include "Held dear" , "Lovingly cared for" , "Precious" , "Was protective" , "clung to" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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