Madonna’s older brother Anthony Ciccone dies at 66
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Madonna’s older brother Anthony Ciccone dies at 66: he previously battled alcoholism and lived on the streets
- The brother of the millionaire singer, who was fighting against alcoholism, died
- Anthony Cicconi was one of five brothers Madonna grew up with in Detroit.
- Joe Henry, who is married to Madonna’s sister Melanie, announced the news.
Madonna’s older brother, Anthony Ciccone, has died at the age of 66.
The singer’s brother had been living on the streets of Michigan for many years while battling alcoholism.
In a statement, Joe Henry, husband of Madonna’s sister Melanie Ciccone, wrote: “My brother-in-law, Anthony Gerard Ciccone, left this earthly plane last night. I’ve known him since he was 15 years old, in the spring of our lives in Michigan, many years ago.
Madonna, who was born in Michigan to Catholic parents, grew up in suburban Detroit with five siblings, the oldest of whom was Anthony.
While moving to New York in 1978 to pursue dance, her older brother stayed in Michigan and fell victim to alcoholism and homelessness.
Anthony Ciccone, Madonna’s brother, has died at the age of 66, Madonna’s sister Melanie’s husband said in a statement.
‘Anthony was a complex character; and God knows: we get tangled up at times, as real brothers can. But he loved him and understood him better than he was sometimes willing to admit,” he added.
‘But the problems fade away; and family remains – with folded hands on the table. Goodbye, then, brother Antonio. I want to think that the god your blessed mother (and mine) believed in has her there, waiting for you. At least for today, no one will dissuade me from this vision,’ Ciccone said at the end of his note.
Cicconi pictured as a young man in a warm tribute to him posted by his brother-in-law on Saturday.
While Madonna moved to New York in 1978 to pursue dance, her older brother stayed in Michigan and fell victim to alcoholism and homelessness.