Anthony Ciccone, the oldest of Madonna’s seven siblings, was raised in Michigan alongside the pop star. In 1978, when she relocated to New York in search of fame, her sibling remained in their hometown and experienced his struggles.
Anthony Ciccone, the eldest sibling of Madonna, passed away at the age of 66, according to a family member.
Musician Joe Henry, who is married to Madonna’s sister Melanie Ciccone, announced the news on Instagram alongside a black-and-white photograph of himself.
He wrote: “Anthony Gerard Ciccone, my brother-in-law, left this world last night.
“I’ve known him since I was 15 years old, during the spring of our lives in Michigan, which is now so many years ago.
“Anthony was a complex individual, and God knows we tangled at times, as genuine brothers can. But I adored him and understood him better than I was occasionally willing to admit.”
The cause of the demise was not disclosed. However, Ciccone was rumored to have contended with alcoholism and was homeless for many years.
As the family’s oldest son, he was named after his father, while Madonna was named after her mother.
They were born and raised in Michigan alongside their siblings. Ciccone stayed in their hometown while Madonna departed in 1978 to pursue a career in New York.
Ciccone had at times been estranged from his family and had also lived in a rehabilitation center.
Henry’s post announcing Ciccone’s demise acknowledged these difficulties by stating “trouble fades,” “family remains,” and “hands reached” across the table.
Madonna liked the Instagram post but did not leave a comment.
