Anthony Ciccone, older brother of Madonna dead at 66

Madonna's brother, her oldest sibling, Anthony Ciccone has passed away. He was 66.

Although the reason for his death has not been revealed, it has been revealed that Anthony Ciccone was living in Michigan, where they grew up.

The news of his death was also confirmed by Madonna’s brother-in-law Joe Henry, who is married to her sister Melanie Ciccone.

Henry, who is also a musician, shared on social media alongside a black-and-white photo of the deceased, “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, 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,” he continued. “At least for today, no one shall dissuade me from this vision,” he added.

Sources close to the family also revealed that most of the family members had a difficult relationship with Anthony.

“Most family members had a difficult relationship with him due to his disease [with alcohol]. 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,” the insider revealed.

Silvio Anthony Ciccone and Madonna Fortin Ciccone raised eight children including Madonna. Their mother Madonna Ciccone passed away from breast cancer in 1963 at the age of 33.

Anthony Ciccone had life long struggle with alcoholism and lived under a Michigan bridge at one point in his life. In December 2017, Daily Mail reported that he had completed a rehab program and reconnected with his family.

Back in 2011, he was vocal about his sour relationship with his family. 

“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. My father would be very happy if I died of hypothermia, then he wouldn’t have to worry about it anymore. He’s old school, he grew up in the depression….I never loved her (Madonna) in the first place, she never loved me. We never loved each other.”