Melissa Etheridge married Tammy Lynn Michaels in California on Saturday (September 20), despite the fact that the state does not recognize same-sex unions. The 42-year-old Grammy Award-winning singer and the 28-year-old up-and-coming actress dated for two years before tying the knot. They will share their home with Etheridge’s two children from her previous relationship with Julie Cypher.
Etheridge and Michaels said in a statement, “We are so grateful for the blessings from our friends and family as we commence our vows and begin the rest of our lives together.”
Etheridge spent 12 years with Cypher, who gave birth to the couple’s two children-Bailey Jean Cypher and Beckett Cypher. In January 2000, the couple revealed that Bailey and Beckett’s biological father is musician David Crosby of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.
Etheridge revealed that having the two children helped ease the pain of breaking up with Cypher. “It makes me be able to say, ‘Well, you know what? It was worth it, because I have two gorgeous children’-that whatever insanity went on, it was worth it to have these two amazing children,” Etheridge said. “I will never regret that.”
Melissa Etheridge’s self-titled debut from 1988 comes out as a Deluxe Edition Tuesday (September 23). The expanded Melissa Etheridge-Deluxe Edition includes the original 10-track album on one disc, while a second CD includes 14 live performances. It’s the first time the concert recordings have been released.