Music
Madonna’s brother, Anthony Ciccone, dies aged 66
Anthony was one of Madonna’s seven siblings, and is said to have passed away on Friday night.
Madonna’s older brother, Anthony Ciccone, has passed away at the age of 66.
Ciccone was one of the singer’s seven siblings and is said to have passed away on Friday night.
Family announces the news
Musician Joe Henry, who is married to Madonna’s sister Melanie Ciccone, announced Anthony’s passing on his Instagram account on Saturday.
“My brother-in-law, Anthony Gerard Ciccone, exited this earthly plane last evening. I’ve known him since I was 15, in the spring of our lives in Michigan so many years now gone,” wrote Henry, who also posted a black-and-white photo of his late family member.
“As brother Dave Henry (who took this photograph) notes here, Anthony was a complex character; and god knows: we tangled in moments, as true brothers can. But I loved him, and understood him better than I was sometimes willing to let on.
“Farewell, then, brother Anthony. I want to think the god your blessed mother (and mine) believed in has her there, waiting to receive you. At least for today, no one shall dissuade me from this vision.”
Madonna and her family
Madonna is one of eight children. The family grew up in Michigan, where it was believed Anthony had been residing when he passed away.
Anthony battled alcoholism for years and was homeless at times. At one point he had become estranged from his family, and hit out at them.
“I’m a zero in their eyes - a non-person. I’m an embarrassment,” he told the Daily Mail in 2011.
“If I froze to death, my family probably wouldn’t know or care about it for six months.”
In 2017, it was reported that Anthony had completed a rehab programme and reconnected with his family.
Despite the complicated relationship, a source says Madonna and her family did what they could to help Anthony with his struggles.
“They were all there for him and despite being estranged, Madonna supported him in every way she could when he was willing to take the support,” the source told People.
“Family members including Madonna visited him while in his rehab facility as he declined these past few months.”