Melissa Etheridge, Brian Wilson, more celebs mourn David Crosby: 'I will miss you my friend'

Celebrities in the music world and beyond are mourning the loss of David Crosby, who has died at age 81.

The rocker's wife, Jan Dance, announced Crosby died "after a long illness" in a statement Thursday as reported by Variety. A source close to Crosby confirmed the news to Rolling Stone.

"Thank you ?@thedavidcrosby," singer/songwriter Melissa Etheridge tweeted, along with a photo? of herself with Crosby as he played guitar. "I will miss you my friend."

In another tweet, Etheridge thanked Crosby for giving her "the gift of family." Two of Etheridge's four children, Bailey and Beckett, were conceived with sperm from Crosby. Beckett died in 2020 at age 21 of opioid addiction.

Etheridge wasn't the only celebrity paying tribute on social media.

David Crosby, co-founder of Crosby, Stills & Nash, The Byrds, dies at 81, reports say

"I don’t know what to say other than I’m heartbroken to hear about David Crosby," wrote Beach Boys co-founder Brian Wilson. "David was an unbelievable talent - such a great singer and songwriter. And a wonderful person. I just am at a loss for words. Love & Mercy to David’s family and friends."

"I can't begin to say how influential Crosby, Stills and Nash were for me," tweeted Roseanne Cash. "I'm grateful David Crosby lived, and so very sad he's gone."

Singer/songwriter Jason Isbell, with whom Crosby performed live in recent years, posted on Instagram, "We loved David and we’ll miss that miracle of a sound he made."

"To the family of @thedavidcrosby - my condolences, thoughts & prayers go out to you," tweeted Bret Michaels. "We lost an icon and legend today. It’s been a very sobering few weeks with the loss of so many people. It puts a real emphasis on 'live your life to the fullest.'"

"As much as I loved his music I loved his thoughts on Twitter as well. Rest In Peace David Crosby," tweeted Sebastian Bach, lead singer of Skid Row. "thank you for the lifetime of inspiration."

Matthew Caws, lead singer of Nada Surf, tweeted, "thank you david crosby for your enormous part in the music that has enriched my life so much. playing it loud now."

Maria Shriver described Crosby as an "end of an era."

Actress Christina Applegate encouraged her followers to join her in blasting Crosby, Stills & Nash music in his honor. "Tonight at 7pm PST my friends and neighborhood will howl and then blast CSN to honor this beautiful soul and legend," she tweeted. "If you do this, please send me videos RIP David Crosby!! We love you."

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: David Crosby dies: Melissa Etheridge, Brian Wilson, more celebs mourn