Melissa Etheridge has paid tribute to David Crosby, the biological father of two of her children, following his death on Thursday.
The singer, 61, thanked the late rocker for giving her "the gift of family" when he acted as her and former partner Julie Cypher's sperm donor, as she remembered the music icon on Instagram.
Melissa previously revealed in 2016 how she and Julie had considered using their pal Brad Pitt as a sperm donor prior to the Fight Club actor becoming a father himself, but circumstances prevented it.
David, the founding member of the Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash, later Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, died at the age of 81 following a battle with "long illness", his heartbroken wife confirmed on Thursday night.
In a touching tribute shared with Variety, his wife Jan said: "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."
Jan continued: "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."
Taking to her Instagram page after Jan's announcement, Melissa shared a snap of herself and the late singer playing the guitar as she paid tribute to the biological father of two of her children.
"I am grieving the loss of my friend, and Bailey’s and Beckett’s biological father, David," she wrote in the early hours of Friday morning.
"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."
Singer-songwriter Melissa is also mother to twins Johnnie and Miller, who she welcomed with former partner Tammy Lynn Michaels using an anonymous sperm donor.
Beckett died of an overdose at the age in 21 in May 2020, with Melissa saying her late son "struggled to overcome his addiction and finally succumbed to it" when sharing the news of his death.
In 2016, Melissa discussed how she and her former partner Julie had considered using pal Brad Pitt as a sperm donor prior to ultimately picking David to be their children's biological father.
"I looked and I saw how badly he [Brad] wanted children and I thought, 'I don't want to share this with someone who really, badly wants children because my children don't need another parent - they have two'," the Grammy-winning artist told Australia's Studio 10.
"It’s one of the reasons why David Crosby and his wife are so perfect - because they already had children. They were looking to do this as a gift."
Stephen Stills and Graham Nash also paid tribute to David on Thursday following the news of their former bandmate's death breaking.
"David and I butted heads a lot over time, but they were mostly glancing blows, yet still left us numb skulls. I was happy to be at peace with him," wrote Stephen, in a statement shared with the PA news agency.
"He was without question a giant of a musician, and his harmonic sensibilities were nothing short of genius. The glue that held us together as our vocals soared, like Icarus, towards the sun.
"I am deeply saddened at his passing and shall miss him beyond measure."
Founding member of The Hollies Graham added: "It is with a deep and profound sadness that I learned that my friend David Crosby has passed.
"I know people tend to focus on how volatile our relationship has been at times, but what has always mattered to David and me more than anything was the pure joy of the music we created together, the sound we discovered with one another, and the deep friendship we shared over all these many long years. David was fearless in life and in music.
"He leaves behind a tremendous void as far as sheer personality and talent in this world."
"He spoke his mind, his heart, and his passion through his beautiful music and leaves an incredible legacy. These are the things that matter most."
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