Singer Melissa Etheridge shares grief over death of David Crosby, the father of her children

American singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge has expressed her sorrow following the death of folk rock legend David Crosby.

Crosby died at the age of 81, following a long battle with an illness, according to his wife, Jan Dance.

Etheridge, 61, shared her grief on social mediawriting, “I am grieving the loss of my friend and Bailey’s and Beckett’s biological father, David.”

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“He gave me the gift of family. I will forever be grateful to him, Django, and Jan. His music and legacy will inspire many generations to come. A true treasure.”

She also shared a photo of her and Crosby together recently, with the white-haired singer wearing his iconic red beanie.

Crosby was the sperm donor for Etheridge and her then-partner Julie Cypher’s children: Bailey and Beckett.

Beckett sadly died at the age of 21 in May 2020, after struggling with opioid addiction.

The couple famously welcomed Beckett in 1998 via artificial insemination but did not reveal who the sperm donor had been. Years later, they revealed it had been Crosby.

In a 2016 interview with US TodayEtheridge revealed that she and Cypher, who split in 2000, considered using her friend, actor Brad Pitt, as a donor.

They ended up not choosing Pitt, as the actor had sincerely wanted children of his own at the time and they were not looking for an additional parent for their kids.

“It’s one of the reasons why David Crosby and his wife are so perfect – because they already had children,” Etheridge said. “They were looking to do this as a gift.”

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At the time of Beckett’s death, Crosby discounted claims that he had nothing to do with the children’s lives.

In a now-deleted post, a Twitter user claimed that Crosby was simply a donor and, “Like most donors, he played no other part.”

To this, Crosby tweeted back, “Not true.”

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Crosby’s partner Jan Dance shared an emotional statement, announcing the death of her husband to Variety.

“It is with great sadness after a long illness, that our beloved David (Croz) Crosby has passed away. He was lovingly surrounded by his wife and soulmate Jan and son Django. Although he is no longer here with us, his humanity and kind soul will continue to guide and inspire us,” the statement read.

“His legacy will continue to live on through his legendary music. Peace, love, and harmony to all who knew David and those he touched.

“We will miss him dearly. At this time, we respectfully and kindly ask for privacy as we grieve and try to deal with our profound loss. Thank you for the love and prayers.”

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