Melissa Etheridge paid tribute to David Crosby after news of his death on Thursday at the age of 81 and thanked him for the “gift of the family” he gave her and her former partner Julie Cypher as sperm donors for their two children, daughter Bailey and later, gave son Beckett.
“I mourn the loss of my boyfriend and Bailey and Beckett’s birth father, David,” the 61-year-old singer-songwriter said on Instagram. “He gave me a family. I will forever be grateful to him, Django and Jan.”
Etheridge is also a mother to twins Johnnie and Miller, whom she welcomed with sperm donor anonymous partner Tammy Lynn Michaels.
The Leavenworth, Kansas native said that Crosby’s “music and legacy will inspire many generations to come” and that he is “a true treasure.”
The latest: Melissa Etheridge, 61, paid tribute to David Crosby following news of his death on Thursday aged 81 and thanked him for the “gift of the family” he gave her and her former partner Julie Cypher as a sperm donor for their two has children
Beckett tragically died of a drug overdose in May 2020 at the age of 21.
Etheridge said in a statement on Twitter at the time: “Today I joined the hundreds of thousands of families who have lost loved ones to opioid addiction. My son Beckett, who was just 21 years old, was battling his addiction and finally succumbed to it today. He will be missed by those who loved him, his family and friends.”
After Beckett’s death, Crosby responded to a fan tweet, which read, “I respectfully point out that David was her donor… They had no son ‘with’ him.” He was Melissa and Julie’s child. You raised him. Like most donors, he played no other role.’
Crosby said in a reply, “Not true.”
The Come to My Window singer, who starred in Georgia in 2018, lost her son Beckett, Crosby’s father, to a drug overdose in 2020
Etheridge announced the death of her son Beckett from an opioid overdose in 2020
Etheridge and her late son Bailey were spotted out in LA in September 2011
Etheridge told Australia’s Studio 10 in 2016 that she and Cypher had also considered using a sperm donation from boyfriend Brad Pitt, but circumstances prevented this as at the time Pitt was hoping to have a child and the then-couple were not interested was a third party educating their children.
“I looked and saw how much he wanted kids, and I was like, ‘I don’t want to share this with someone who really, really wants kids because my kids don’t need another parent — they have two,'” she said the Grammy-winning artist said. “That’s one of the reasons David Crosby and his wife are so perfect – because they’ve had kids before. They wanted to do this as a gift.’
Crosby denied that he played no role in Beckett’s upbringing following his tragic death in 2020
Etheridge said in 2016 that she and her ex also considered using a sperm donation from boyfriend Brad Pitt, but circumstances prevented it as Pitt was hoping for a child at the time and the then-couple were not interested in a third party that educates their children. Pitt was pictured in Paris last week
Crosby died Thursday “after a long illness,” his wife Jan Dance told Variety.
“It is with great sadness that our beloved David (Croz) Crosby has passed away after a long illness,” she said in the statement. “He was lovingly surrounded by his wife and soulmate Jan and son Django. Though he is no longer here with us, his humanity and kind soul will continue to guide and inspire us.”
She continued, “His legacy will live on through his legendary music. Peace, love and harmony to all who knew David and to those he touched. We will miss him very much.
“At this time we respectfully and kindly ask for privacy as we grieve and try to deal with our profound loss. Thanks for the love and prayers.’
Crosby died at the age of 81, his wife Jan Dance Variety said he passed away on Thursday after a “long illness”. Pictured in LA in 2020
The popular entertainer was pictured at a concert in Los Angeles in October 2012
The influential musician was pictured at the Grammys in LA in February 2016
The I’m the Only One artist was among notable names to take Crosby to social media with memorial messages and shared a picture of them together.
Crobsy’s longtime musical collaborator Graham Nash took to Facebook with a sweeping statement about their music and friendship.
“It is with deep and deep sadness that I learn of the passing of my friend David Crosby,” Nash said. “I know people tend to focus on how explosive our relationship was at times, but what David and I always cared about more than anything else was the sheer joy of the music we created together, the sound we discovered together and the deep friendship we shared over the many long years.’
Nash said that Crosby “was fearless in life and in music” and “leaves a tremendous void in terms of sheer personality and talent in this world.
“He has expressed his thoughts, heart and passion through his beautiful music and leaves an incredible legacy. Those are the things that matter the most. My heart is truly with his wife Jan, his son Django and all the people he has touched in this world.”
Crosby’s longtime musical collaborator Graham Nash called him “fearless in life and in music”.
Crosby has been praised by such luminaries as Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson, Steven Van Zandt and E Street Band’s Roseanne Cash, as well as the official accounts for the late Tom Petty and The Doors
Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson also chimed in, writing: “I don’t know what to say other than my heart is broken to hear from David Crosby. David was an amazing talent – such a great singer and songwriter. And a wonderful person. I just can’t find the words. Love and mercy to David’s family and friends. With love, Brian.”
Rosanne Cash said: “I can’t begin to tell you how influential Crosby, Stills and Nash have been to me. I am thankful that David Crosby lived and so sad that he is gone.
Steven Van Zandt said: “RIP David Crosby. As a member of The Byrds, one of the most historically significant artists to create the art form of rock.
“The Byrds, Bob Dylan, Beatles, Stones, Kinks, Who, Beach Boys & Yardbirds have shown future generations like us what’s possible. We owe him and them everything.”
The Official Account for the late Tom Petty issued a statement which said: “Tom counted David Crosby as a friend and a hero.
“He often visited his home in the valley. He was funny, provocative and full of talent. His contribution to music will not be forgotten. Our thoughts and love to his family, bandmates and fans.’
Other notable memorials came from entertainers such as Billy Corgan, the group Hanson, comedian Richard Lewis and actress Christina Applegate
The official account for The Doors called Crosby “another ethereal fixture of the ’60s peace and love movement; a legend in his own right and whatever group he belonged to.
“Having emerged in the same era as The Doors, David Crosby had the voice and songwriting skills that made him completely unique…”
Other notable memorials came from entertainers such as Billy Corgan, the group Hanson, comedian Richard Lewis and actress Christina Applegate.
“Tonight at 7pm PST my friends and the neighborhood will be howling and then blasting CSN to honor this beautiful soul and legend,” Applegate said. “If you do please send me videos RIP David Crosby!! We love you.’
Comedian Richard Lewis wrote: “RIP David. Lately it feels like death is becoming tragically predictable.’