Melissa Etheridge reveals David Crosby was sperm donor for many couples: ‘We’re still finding kids’
David Crosby was a sperm donor to more than just Melissa Etheridge.
Etheridge, 63, revealed in a new interview that the late musician — who is the biological father of two of her kids — has even more children from donating his sperm to other couples.
“We’re still finding kids from David Crosby out in the world,” she told People on Tuesday. “My daughter’s like, ‘I have another half-sister.’ “
Crosby, who died last year from complications of COVID-19 at age 81, famously donated sperm to Etheridge and her former partner, Julie Cypher, who became parents to two children, Bailey and Beckett, with his help.
Beckett died of a drug overdose in 2020 at the age of 21.
Crosby had four more children, sons James and Django and daughters Erika and Donovan, from other relationships.
Etheridge — whose docuseries “Melissa Etheridge: I’m Not Broken” premieres July 9 on Paramount+ — told People that Crosby’s wife, Jan Dance, who is the mother of his son Django, suggested the sperm donor idea to her.
“They had just had help having their son, and they appreciated that. They wanted to pay it forward,” said Etheridge.
“He did not need to be [a father],” the “Breathe” singer added about Crosby. “And that’s what really made it clear for me, was that he was willing to say, ‘Yeah, I was the biological father.’ And my kids call him bio dad, so he’s the biological father, but they didn’t need a relationship with him.”
She also said that Crosby “really taught me about generosity” when he helped her create a family.
“The situation was special with my partner at the time because she had been adopted, and she wanted her children to know who their biological father was,” Etheridge said about Cypher, who she split from in 2000.
“So we weren’t going to go to a sperm bank, because she wanted them to know,” Etheridge added.
Etheridge and Crosby spoke about his generosity in a 2000 interview with CBS News.
“Was there any hesitation in my mind about trying to help them? No. None,” the Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young founder said at the time. “The truth is, I probably shouldn’t say this, but I don’t even think it should be a big deal. I think it’s such a natural thing that a straight couple would do for a gay couple, if they were friends.”
Etheridge said: “I do not believe that my children will be wanting in any way because they didn’t have a father in the home every single day. What they have in the home is two loving parents. I think that puts them ahead of the game.”
After Crosby died on Jan. 18, 2023, Etheridge shared an emotional tribute to the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and said he gave her “the gift of family.”
“I will forever be grateful to him, Django, and Jan,” added Etheridge. “His music and legacy will inspire many generations to come. A true treasure.”
