Melissa Etheridge expecting twins

20-04-2006 11:20

Lesbian singer Melissa Etheridge is expecting twins.The 44-year-old star - who has been beaten breast cancer after being diagnosed in 2004 - and actress partner Tammy Lynn Michaels announced the news on her website.She revealed: "We are thrilled to announce that Tammy is pregnant, and expecting our twins sometime around this fall. "To answer the obvious question: We used an anonymous donor from a bank."Etheridge already has two children from a previous relationship with Julie Cypher - a daughter, Bailey Jean, and son Beckett.In the online statement, the couple added: "These are our first two babies conceived together, but not our first time mothering together."For the past five years, we have been parenting two children from a previous time in Melissa's life. The twins will be a joyful addition to our loving home."

The star and Michaels - best known for her acting in gay drama, 'The L Word' - tied the knot in Malibu in September 2003.

'Lucky' singer Etheridge also says Michaels has been a key part of her fight against cancer.

She revealed: "When it was over, I came home to a bouquet that said 'In sickness and in health,' and she means it.

"The love and support of someone like that is worth all the money in the world."