Madonna’s elder brother, Anthony Ciccone, has passed away at the age of 66. He died on Friday, February 24, at his residence in Michigan. Anthony was the oldest of Maddona’s seven siblings. His death has been confirmed by his sister Melanie Ciccone’s husband.
Anthony struggled with alcoholism for a long time in his life. At one point, he also accused Madonna and the rest of his family of not caring for him. Continue reading to know more about his life.
Madonna’s Eldest Sibling, Anthony Ciccone, Dies at 66
Melanie Ciccone’s husband, musician Joe Henry, took to Instagram on Saturday to share the tragic news. He shared an old black and white photo of Anthony and wrote, “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.”
“But trouble fades; and family remains— with hands reached across the table. Farewell, then, brother Anthony. I want to think the god your blessed mother (and mine) believed in has her there, waiting to receive you. At least for today, no one shall dissuade me from this vision,” he continued.
Anthony had a Troubled Relationship with his Family
Due to his alcohol addiction, Anthony was reported to be homeless for several years. At one time, he lived under a bridge in Michigan. Meanwhile, in an interview, he stated that his family was not the least bit concerned about him.
“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 any more. He’s old school, he grew up in the depression,” he was quoted saying in 2011.
Anthony further talked about Madonna and revealed that he did not share a loving relationship with her. “I never loved her in the first place; she never loved me. We never loved each other,” he said. In 2017, he reconnected with his family after completing a rehab program.
Anthony’s Friends Pay their Condolences
Social media is now filled with condolence messages for the deceased. One of Anthony’s friends wrote, “I have some really fond memories of him growing up. We bonded over our love of Calvin and Hobbes. I’ll be thinking about him and the Ciccones tonight.”
Actress Debi Mazar, who also shared a good bond with Anthony, wrote, “I have such fond memories of time spent with Anthony back in the late 80’s. A real Renaissance Man. Full of prose, lover of literature, his Italian Heritage, good wine & cooking.”
“He would drive his 1960s Cadillac over to my Brooklyn apartment in a snow storm, bring a pot of his freshly prepared Ragu, and all the fixin’s, and we would cook & laugh and talk all night. My condolences to his entire family. He was very much loved,” she added.
May Anthony’s soul rest in peace! Stay tuned for more news and updates.