Anthony Ciccone, the older brother of the pop star Madonna, has reportedly passed away at the age of 66.

Madonna’s Brother Dies

People Magazine reported that Ciccone’s death was announced by Madonna’s brother-in-law Joe Henry, who is married to her sister Melanie.

“My brother-in-law, Anthony Gerard Ciccone, exited this earthly plane last evening,” Henry on Instagram. “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 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,” he added. “But trouble fades; and family remains— with hands reached across the table. 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.”

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Madonna’s Complicated Relationship With Ciccone

Sources have said that Madonna and her family had a complex relationship with Ciccone because of 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,” an insider said. “Family members including Madonna visited him while in his rehab facility as he declined these past few months.”

“Most family members had a difficult relationship with him due to his disease [with alcohol],” another source told Page Six. “Madonna helped to support her brother when he would accept that support. 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.”

Ciccone is believed to have died in Michigan, which is where Madonna grew up with her seven siblings. Ciccone’s struggles with alcoholism were reportedly so bad that he was homeless for years and living under a bridge. Daily Mail reported in 2017 that he’d completed a program at a rehab facility and had reconnected with his family.

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Ciccone Claimed He Was ‘An Embarrassment’ To His Family

Years before that, Ciccone claimed his family didn’t care about him.

“I’m a zero in their eyes — a non-person. I’m an embarrassment. If I froze to death, my family probably wouldn’t know or care about it for six months,” he said in 2011. “My father would be very happy if I died of hypothermia, then he wouldn’t have to worry about it any more. He’s old school, he grew up in the depression.”

Ciccone went on to alleged that he and Madonna “never loved each other.”

“I never loved her in the first place, she never loved me,” he said. “We never loved each other.” 

Madonna has yet to comment on the death of her older brother. This comes at a busy time for her, as she is preparing to embark on a world tour later this year. 

Please join us in saying a prayer for Madonna and her family during this difficult time.