Etheridge and Cypher split

Sep 19, 2000 by Ian Evans

Exactly one month ago we reported the end of the Ellen Degeneres-Anne Heche relationship. Today, another prominent lesbian couple has called it quits.

Singer Melissa Etheridge and director Julie Cypher ended their 12 year relationship by releasing a joint statement that said, “With the utmost of love and respect for one another, we have decided to separate. As committed parents, our top priority continues to be what is in the best interest of our children. Though elements of our lives will change, our family will always remain intact.”

The couple, who met when Cypher was married to actor Lou Diamond Phillips, have two children fathered by rocker David Crosby.

No reason was given for the split.