In the mid-90s, Melissa Etheridge and her long-term ex-partner Julie Cypher knew they didn't want an anonymous sperm donor to father their children, so they asked guitarist and singer David Crosby to donate, who happily agreed. Now, Etheridge has spoken out about the decision, claiming that Crosby, who died in 2023, had fathered many other children through sperm donation – something they are apparently still figuring out.
Speaking to People ahead of the July 9 premiere of Etheridge's new Paramount+ docuseries Melissa Etheridge: I'm not brokenThe singer-songwriter praised Crosby and her willingness to participate in artificial insemination, which resulted in the birth of Cypher and Etheridge's daughter Bailey and their late son Beckett.
Get tickets for Melissa Etheridge here
According to Etheridge, Crosby's wife, Jan Dance, had recommended that Etheridge do so: “They had just received help to have their child and they appreciated it. They wanted to return the favor.” She continued: “We are still finding David Crosby's children in the world. My daughter says, 'I have another half-sister.'”
Although Etheridge and Cypher split in 2000, they maintained a great relationship with Crosby until his death.[Crosby] It was not necessary to be so [a father]“And that’s what really made it clear to me that he was willing to say, ‘Yes, I was the biological father. ’ And my kids call him biological dad, so he’s the biological father, but they didn’t need a relationship with him.”
While it is unknown if Crosby lent his sperm to other couples, Etheridge's quote seems to suggest that Crosby and Dance were happy to extend the miracle of life to other couples who were unable to conceive. When Crosby passed away in 2023, Etheridge wrote on Instagram, “He gave me the gift of family. I will always be grateful to him, [son] Django, and [wife] Jan. His music and legacy will inspire many future generations. A true treasure.”
Not only is Etheridge gearing up for the release of her new docuseries, but she also has a pair of tours lined up for this summer with Indigo Girls and Jewel. Get tickets to see Melissa Etheridge here.
thanks to our partners at consequence.net
