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Melissa Etheridge paid tribute to David Crosby following the news of his death Thursday at the age of 81, thanking him for the ‘gift from family’ he gave her and ex-partner Julie Cypher as a sperm donor for two of their children, daughter Bailey and late son Beckett.
“I am grieving the loss of my friend, and Bailey and Beckett’s biological father, David,” the 61-year-old singer-songwriter said on Instagram. ‘He gave me the gift of family. I will always be grateful to him, Django and Jan.’
The Leavenworth, Kansas native said Crosby’s “music and legacy will inspire many generations to come” and that he was “a true treasure.”
The Latest: Melissa Etheridge, 61, paid tribute to David Crosby following the news of his death on Thursday at the age of 81, thanking him for the ‘gift from family’ he gave her and ex-partner Julie Cypher as a sperm donor to two of his children
Beckett tragically died at the age of 21 of a drug overdose in May 2020.
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 only 21 years old, struggled to overcome his addiction and finally succumbed today. He will be missed by those who loved him, his family and friends.’
Following Beckett’s passing, Crosby responded to a fan tweet that read: “I respectfully point out that David was his donor… They did not have a child ‘with’ him. He was Melissa and Julie’s son. They raised him. As most donors, played no other role.
Crosby said in response, “Not true.”
The Come to My Window singer was photographed performing in Georgia in 2018
Crosby was the sperm donor father to singer Melissa Etheridge’s two children, one of whom died of a drug overdose in May 2020. She was photographed in 2018
Etheridge announced the death of her son Beckett in 2020 after an opioid overdose
Etheridge said that Beckett “struggled to overcome his addiction and eventually succumbed to it.”
Etheridge and her late son Bailey were spotted out and about in Los Angeles in September 2011.
Etheridge said Australian Study 10 in 2016 that she and Cypher had also considered using a sperm donation from their friend Brad Pitt, but circumstances prevented this, as Pitt hoped to have a child at the time, and the couple at the time were not interested in having a third party hold them. will breed children.
“I looked and saw how badly I wanted kids and I thought, ‘I don’t want to share this with someone who really wants kids because my kids don’t need another dad, they have two,'” the Grammy said. said the winning artist. “It’s one of the reasons why David Crosby and his wife are so perfect, because they already had kids. They were looking to do this as a gift.
Etheridge is also the mother of twins Johnnie and Miller, whom she welcomed with ex-partner Tammy Lynn Michaels using an anonymous sperm donor.
Crosby denied that he played any role in Beckett’s upbringing following his tragic death in 2020.
Etheridge said in 2016 that she and her ex had also considered using a sperm donation from their friend Brad Pitt, but circumstances prevented it, as Pitt hoped to have a child at the time and the couple at the time were not interested in a third party. . parenting party for their children. Pitt was photographed last week in Paris.
Crosby died Thursday ‘after a long illness,’ his wife Jan Dance said Variety.
“It is with great sadness after a long illness that our beloved David (Croz) Crosby has passed away,” he said in the statement. “He was lovingly surrounded by his wife and soul mate Jan and his son Django. Although he is no longer here with us, his humanity and kind soul will continue to guide and inspire us.’
She continued: ‘Her legacy will live on through her legendary music. Peace, love and harmony to all who knew David and those whom 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, as his wife Jan Dance told Variety that he passed away after a “long illness” on Thursday. Photographed in 2020 in Los Angeles
The beloved artist was photographed at a concert in Los Angeles in October 2012.
The influential musical artist was photographed at the Grammys in Los Angeles in February 2016.
The I’m the Only One artist was one of the notable names to take to social media with commemorative messages for Crosby, sharing a photo of them together.
Crobsy’s longtime musical collaborator, Graham Nash, took to Facebook with a comprehensive statement that reflects their music and friendship.
“It is with deep, profound sadness that I learned that my friend David Crosby has passed away,” Nash said. “I know people tend to focus on how volatile our relationship has been at times, but what has always mattered to David and I 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 all these long years.’
Nash said that Crosby was “unafraid in life and in music” and “leaves a tremendous void of personality and talent in this world.”
He spoke his mind, his heart and his passion through his beautiful music and leaves behind an incredible legacy. These are the things that matter most. My heart truly goes out to his wife Jan, his son Django, and everyone he has touched in this world.”
Crosby’s longtime musical collaborator Graham Nash called him “fearless in life and music.”
Crosby was praised by such luminaries as the Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson, Steven Van Zandt and the E Street Band’s Roseanne Cash, as well as the official accounts for the late Tom Petty and The Doors.
Also weighing in was Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson, who wrote, “I don’t know what to say other than I’m heartbroken to hear about David Crosby.” David was an incredible talent, a great singer and songwriter. And a wonderful person. I am speechless. Love and Mercy to David’s family and friends. With love, Brian.
Said Rosanne Cash: ‘I cannot begin to say how influential Crosby, Stills and Nash were to me. I am thankful that David Crosby lived, and very sad that he is gone.
Steven Van Zandt said: ‘RIP David Crosby. As a member of The Byrds, one of the historically essential artists who created the rock art form.
‘The Byrds, Bob Dylan, Beatles, Stones, Kinks, Who, Beach Boys and Yardbirds, they showed future generations like us what was possible. We owe him, and them, everything.
The official account of the late Tom Petty released a statement saying: “Tom counted on David Crosby as a friend and hero.
‘I often visited at his house in the valley. He was funny, provocative and electric with talent. His contribution to music will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and love to his family, bandmates and fans.
Other notable memorials came from artists such as Billy Corgan, the Hanson group, comedian Richard Lewis, and actress Christina Applegate.
The Doors’ official account called Crosby ‘another ethereal fixture of the ’60s peace and love movement; a legend in his own right, and every group he was a part of.
“Emerging in the same era as The Doors, David Crosby had the voice and songwriting chops that made him utterly unique…”
Other notable memorials came from artists such as Billy Corgan, the Hanson group, comedian Richard Lewis, and actress Christina Applegate.
“Tonight at 7pm PST my friends and neighborhood will howl and then blast CSN to honor this beautiful soul and legend,” Applegate said. ‘If you do this please send me RIP David Crosby videos! We love you.’
Comedian Richard Lewis wrote: ‘RIP David. Lately it seems that death is becoming tragically predictable.