Melissa Etheridge credits self-love and mutual support for keeping her marriage to Linda Wallem strong, reflecting on lessons she says she learned after personal hardships and life-changing health battles.
Melissa Etheridge is still thinking about love the way she sings it: close, honest, and built to last.
Speaking exclusively to Us Weekly on June 5. she opened up about her marriage to wife Linda Wallem ahead of her CMA Fest 2026 performance presented by SoFi in Nashville. Etheridge. 65. said she learned the key to a lasting relationship after “two miserable disasters.” Her conclusion is simple but steady: “love yourself as much as you love the other person. ” because “a successful marriage is a side-by-side arrangement.”.
Etheridge and Wallem, both 65, tied the knot in May 2014. Before that. Etheridge dated Julie Cypher from 1990 to 2000. and during that relationship the two welcomed kids Bailey Jean. 29. and forever 21-year-old Beckett. who died from an opioid overdose in May 2020. Etheridge also had a long-term relationship with Tammy Lynn Michaels from 2003 to 2010. and the exes share twins Miller and Johnnie Rose. 19.
Her marriage advice comes with a deeply personal reason. Etheridge said her relationship mindset was shaped after she “went through cancer,” adding: “I don’t want anyone to have to take care of me. That’s not what I’m about.” Etheridge battled stage II breast cancer in 2004.
That’s also where the “take care of yourself first” message lands. “The sexiest and coolest thing you can do is take care of yourself for your partner,” Etheridge continued. She explained that her love for Wallem motivates her to prioritize her own well-being so she can show up for her wife.
“We learn and grow together,” Etheridge said. “We were both kind of in the industry.” She described how their schedules overlap when they can: Wallem is in “television and film. ” and Etheridge said they try to “work together as much as we can. ” with Wallem coming out on the road with her “most of the time. ” which she said “really. really helps. ” adding that Wallem “makes me laugh every day.”.
On May 31, Etheridge and Wallem marked 12 years of marriage, and they celebrated by sharing a playful duet via Instagram. The couple sang: “This is a theme song.” Etheridge asked. “Do you want to sing along?” then joked. “Who are you?” Before turning to the camera. Etheridge said. “She’s married for 12 years lady.” Wallem then added: “You know what. it’s our anniversary today. and happy anniversary.”.
After the singing, they shared how they celebrated in person—visiting the place where they got married. Etheridge said they ate food, walked around, and “remembered what it was like,” concluding, “It’s fun being married for a long time.”
Still, even that anniversary joy comes with a real-world limitation. Etheridge told Us Weekly she can “barely” get her wife to sing when they’re together, suggesting the duet energy may mostly live in social media for now. But she made clear Wallem’s support shows up in other ways.
“I trust her,” Etheridge said. “Man. when you have a trust with your partner. and not just like. ‘Oh. she’s not going to do anything. ’ a trust when I ask her. ‘Give me your opinion. ’” she continued. Etheridge said she’ll play Wallem a song when she’s unsure—especially when she’s stuck in her own head—and Wallem responds with reassurance. often saying. “You’re golden. Get out of your head!” Etheridge said Wallem will sometimes tell her she can do better, but “always gently.”.
Etheridge’s latest album, Rise, is out now—and while the songs continue to move forward, the message behind the marriage remains the same. For her, it isn’t just romance. It’s the habit of showing up fully, for both herself and the partner beside her.
Melissa Etheridge Linda Wallem marriage self-love CMA Fest 2026 SoFi Rise album Instagram duet breast cancer relationship advice