Hollywood
What did Madonna’s brother Anthony Ciccone die from?
Ciccone passed away in February and the cause of death has recently been revealed.
Madonna’s oldest brother, Anthony Ciccone, passed away on February 24 at the age of 66. At the time, it was reported that he died due to several health issues.
However, TMZ recently acquired Ciccone’s death certificate, which states that the cause of death was due to respiratory failure and throat cancer. Specifically, Ciccone had oropharyngeal cancer, which is typically caused from tobacco use.
Ciccone’s passing
Ciccone’s passing was announced on Instagram by his brother-in-law, Joe Henry, married to Melanie Ciccone, who posted a black and white photo of Ciccone alongside a heartfelt caption.
“My brother-in-law, Anthony Gerrard Ciccone, exited this earthly plane last evening,” Henry wrote. “I’ve known him since I was 15, in the spring of our lives in Michigan so many years now gone.
“As brother Dave Henry (who took the 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,” he added.
“But trouble fades; and family remains – with hands reached across the table. Farewell, then, brother Anthony.
“I want to think [sic] 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,” Henry concluded.
A tumultuous relationship with family
One of Madonna’s seven siblings, Ciccone struggled with alcohol abuse and homelessness for several years.
His dependence on alcohol reportedly caused a riff between himself and family members, which led to Ciccone entering rehab more than once.
Despite the strain in their relationship, a source claimed that Madonna supported her brother whenever he would accept it.
“Madonna helped to support her brother when he would accept that support,” the source said. “During his final months, he was in contact with family and Madonna, but this past week, he refused the support the rehab facility offered, and it was clear he was ready to move on.”