Madonna’s eldest brother Anthony Ciccone dies at the age of 66 after battling alcoholism and living on the streets
- The alcoholic sibling of the millionaire singer has died
- Joe Henry, who is married to Madonna’s sister Melanie, announced the news
Madonna’s eldest brother Anthony Ciccone has died at the age of 66.
The singer’s siblings lived on the streets of Michigan for many years while struggling with 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 I was 15, in the spring of our lives in Michigan so many years have passed.
Born in Michigan to Catholic parents, Madonna was raised in suburban Detroit with five siblings, the eldest of whom was Anthony.
While she moved to New York in 1978 to pursue dancing, her eldest brother stayed in Michigan and became a victim of alcoholism and homelessness.
Anthony Ciccone, Madonna’s brother, has died
“Anthony was a complex character; and God knows we’ve tangled in moments as true brothers can. But I loved him and understood him better than I sometimes wanted to admit,” he added.
“But anger passes; and family leftovers – with outstretched hands across the table. So farewell, Brother Anthony. I want to imagine that the God your blessed mother (and mine) believed in has her there waiting to receive you. At least for today, let no one dissuade me from this vision,’ Ciccone said at the end of his note.