Melissa Etheridge’s son Beckett dies at 21: Devastated singer cancels concert from home in wake of shock death of beloved child
- No cause of death has been released
- The Grammy-winning artist shared Beckett with former partner Julie Cypher
- Cypher gave birth to Beckett and his sister Bailey during her decade-long relationship with Etheridge
- It was subsequently revealed the children had been conceived using sperm donated by David Crosby
- Etheridge and Cypher split in 2000
- Etheridge, 58, had been performing Facebook Live concerts during the coronavirus lockdown
- Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19
Melissa Etheridge’s 21-year-old son Beckett has died, her team announced on Wednesday.
The news was shared via a tweet on the singer’s official Twitter account that stated: ‘We’re sad to inform you that Melissa’s son Beckett passed away and there will not be a Concerts From Home show today. – #TeamME.’
Etheridge shared Beckett with her former partner Julie Cypher.
No further information about his death has been released.
Melissa Etheridge’s son Beckett, pictured with his mom in 2011, has passed away. He was 21
The sad news was announced via the singer’s official Twitter account on Wednesday afternoon
The Grammy-winning recording artist, who’s 58, had been performing Facebook Live concerts and offering virtual guitar lessons for just $10 during the coronavirus lockdown.
The devastated star has naturally put her planned remote appearances on hold as she deals with the loss of her beloved child.
Etheridge and Cypher got together in 1990 after Cypher left her then husband actor Lou Diamond Philips to live with the musician.
Cypher gave birth to daughter Bailey in February 1997 and Beckett in November 1998.
The children were conceived via artificial insemination and it was later revealed that rock legend David Crosby had been the sperm donor.
Etheridge, who’s 58, had been performing Facebook Live concerts and offering virtual guitar lessons during the coronavirus lockdown. She’s pictured in January
The Grammy-winning recording artist shared Beckett with former partner Julie Cypher who gave birth to him and daughter Bailey during their decade-long relationship (pictured in 1994)
It was subsequently revealed that Beckett and Bailey, now 23, were conceived using sperm donated by legendary singer and songwriter David Crosby. Pictured in 2011 with Etheridge and Etheridge’s mom Edna
During their relationship, Etheridge and Cypher were high-profile activists for gay rights.
In a 1994 interview with The Advocate, Etheridge explained their desire to have children together.
‘I think one of the many fears people have about homosexuality is around children. I think that the more gay parents raise good, strong, compassionate people, the better the world will be,’ she explained.
Etheridge and Cypher got together in 1990 after Cypher left her then husband actor Lou Diamond Philips to live with the musician. They broke up in 2000
Four years later, in 1998, she told Parents magazine: ‘There’s nothing like taking the responsibility or creating the responsibility of bringing a human being into this world and helping it in its first years. It doesn’t matter the equation that gets you there or what you are to that person. It doesn’t matter at all. It is the bond between you and the child.’
Etheridge and Cypher split in 2000.
The singer went on to have twins in 2006 with new partner Tammy Lynn Michaels. They started dating in 2002 and announced their separation in 2010.
Cypher has been married to Matthew Hale since 2004.
Celebrities have been swift to offer condolences to Etheridge including fellow gay rights activist and mom Rosie O’Donnell
Star Trek star George Takei shared his thoughts in a heartfelt tweet
Rosanna Arquette expressed her shock at the sad news
Celebrities have been swift to offer their condolences to the I’m The Only One and Come To my Window hitmaker.
Rosie O’Donnell tweeted: ‘no words #onlylove,’
‘Oh my God oh my God no. Prayers and love to Melissa Rest In Peace dear Beckett,’ Rosanna Arquette wrote on Twitter.
George Takei shared: ‘My heart is heavy for Melissa Etheridge, whose son Beckett Cypher has died at the young age of 21. Nothing is harder than a parent losing their child. We are with you, Melissa.’
Media monitoring organization GLAAD that promotes LGBTQ acceptance offered support
The I’m The Only One and Come To my Window hitmaker is pictured performing on stage at the San Diego Pride Festival in July 2019