Singer Madonna expresses grief over the demise of her sibling, Christopher.
In 2023, the brother of renowned musician Madonna, Christopher Ciccone, succumbed to cancer at the age of 63. His brother, Anthony Ciccone, had passed away just a few months prior at 66. The family made the sad announcement through a spokesperson, with Christopher's husband, British actor Ray Thacker, and other close ones by his side.
Madonna paid her tribute to Christopher on Instagram, expressing her deep emotion with numerous sibling photos. She wrote, "He was my closest companion for so long," reminiscing about their early bond as outcasts in their conservative town. They supported each other, dancing their way through the madness of their childhood. Their shared passion for dance was like a strong adhesive that kept them together, even as a gay brother.
Madonna and Her Many Siblings
Born Madonna Louise Ciccone in the United States, Madonna hails from a family of seven children in Michigan. Christopher joined her in New York at the start of her career, serving as her personal assistant, dancer, decorator, and tour manager for many years. He later pursued careers in shoe design and interior architecture.
In New York, they shared a voracious appetite for art, music, and film. They even weathered the AIDS epidemic together. Madonna admired her brother, calling him a "painter, poet, and visionary."
Their Tumultuous Relationship
Their relationship took a turn in 2008 when Christopher published a book about their life titled "Life with My Sister Madonna." By then, their relationship had already been strained. The book further exacerbated their issues, as reported by American media. However, in 2012, Christopher stated in interviews that they had reconciled.
Madonna acknowledged in her tribute that their relationship had its ups and downs, including periods of no communication. Christopher's illness served as a catalyst for them to reconnect. She expressed her relief that he was no longer suffering.
In her tribute, Madonna also mentioned the book written by Christopher titled "Life with My Sister Madonna," which had contributed to their strained relationship in the past. Despite their tumultuous history, they managed to reconcile before Christopher's illness.