NEED TO KNOW
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Melissa Etheridge and her wife Linda Wallem are celebrating 12 years of marriage.
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To mark the occasion, Etheridge shared a funny video of the couple singing a duet on May 31.
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In a separate post dedicated to the anniversary, the Grammy Award winner wrote to Linda: "You continue to surprise and delight me.".
Melissa Etheridge and her wife, Linda Wallem, are ringing in their new year of marriage with songs.
On Sunday, May 31, the couple celebrated their 12th wedding anniversary, and to mark the occasion, they performed a playful duet. In a video posted to Etheridge's Instagram, they can be seen sitting together on the veranda.
«"This is the theme song," Etheridge began singing, and Wallem joined in. The women, both 65, continued, giggling: "Want to sing along?"»
Etheridge then paused and asked Wallam, "Who are you?" before turning to the camera, "She's been married for 12 years, lady.".
Then Wallem added: «You know what, today is our anniversary, and happy anniversary to you!»
After a few more songs, Etheridge revealed the couple returned to the venue where they'd married earlier that day. "It was a lot of fun, eating, hanging out, and reminiscing," the musician said, adding, "It's nice to be married for a long time.".
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In a separate post commemorating their wedding anniversary, Etheridge shared a candid photo of herself and Wallem with surprised expressions on their wedding day, captioning it: "12 years ago and you still surprise and delight me.".
Singer Brandi Carlile also expressed her love in the comments, writing, "What an amazing photo!! Happy anniversary ❤️." Ashley McBryde added, "Happy anniversary, dear friends!!"«
Linda Wallem and Melissa Etheridge at the 2022 American Music Awards in Los Angeles. Photo: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
Etheridge and Wallem, who met in the early 2000s, were best friends for 10 years before they began dating. Wallem moved in with Etheridge and her four children—Bailey, Beckett, Johnny, and Miller—in 2010 following the "Come to My Window" singer's split from Tammy Lynn Michaels.
What began as a support system for the family after a divorce eventually developed into a romantic relationship between Etheridge and Wallam.
«"I really enjoyed connecting with her as a person. We were able to slowly build a relationship, and it was just perfect," Etheridge told PEOPLE in 2024 about how their relationship developed organically. "Life isn't just about second chances; life is always about chances. There's no such thing as, 'Well, that's just the way it is.' We can always make different choices.".
Melissa Etheridge and Linda Wallem in 2016. Photo: Tibrina Hobson/WireImage
The couple, who share a birthday, married on May 31, 2014, just two days after they both turned 53. They held an intimate outdoor ceremony at San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito, California, in front of Etheridge's children and several famous friends, including Jane Lynch, Chelsea Handler, Whitney Cummings, and Sia.
For the wedding ceremony, Etheridge performed a new love song she wrote especially for the occasion. "She sang me her vows, which are pretty hard to repeat," Wallem told the publication. Variety at the time. "It was one of the most wonderful moments of my life.".
In a 2011 interview, Etheridge stated that their strong marriage was based on friendship.
«"She's been my best friend for nine years, so it's an interesting relationship. I've never been friends with someone for that long and then had a romantic relationship," the musician said. Revue edition at the time. "Usually when you get into a romantic relationship, you hope to remain friends.".
Etheridge added: "She's my friend, and it's really amazing. I'm happier than I've ever been.".
Read the original article on People.