Farewell to Madonna's Older Brother Anthony Ciccone, Who Passed at 66

Fatima Araos
Closeup of Madonna
Getty | Kevin Mazur

Madonna’s oldest brother, Anthony Ciccone, has passed away at 66. The news was first shared by his brother-in-law, musician, Joe Henry, on Instagram.

Heartfelt Tribute

Joe, who’s the husband of Anthony, and Madonna’s sister, Melanie, posted a heartfelt tribute for Anthony on the site last Saturday.

What He Wrote

“My brother-in-law, Anthony Gerard Ciccone, exited this earthly plane last evening,” he wrote alongside a closeup photo of the Michigan native.

Buddies Since They Were Teens

He reminisced about their younger years, saying they’d known each other since he was 15.

How He Described Him

He described Anthony as “a complex character.”

'True Brothers'

He said they sometimes “tangled…as true brothers can,” but he “loved him, and understood him better than I was sometimes willing to let on.”

They're Family Despite The Troubles

Despite the complicated relationship, Joe said that “trouble fades; and family remains— with hands reached across the table.”

His Farewell

“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 concluded his tribute.

No Word Yet From Madonna

Madonna in a white corset dress
Flickr | Truus, Bob & Jan too!

Madonna has not released a statement regarding her brother’s death.

He Was The Eldest

Anthony was two years older than her and the eldest of eight siblings.

Strained Relationships

Reports say the Ciccone siblings’ relationship with their late brother was strained.

Anthony's Struggle With Alcoholism

The estrangement allegedly stemmed from his alcohol problem, which he’d had for years.

He Had Dealt With Homelessness, Too

He’d dealt with homelessness as well, and was living under a bridge at one point.

He Felt Neglected

He had criticized Madonna and his other siblings in the past for allegedly neglecting him.

What He Said About Madonna

Back in 2013, he spoke to MailOnline about his pop star sister, saying she “doesn’t give a s**t if I’m dead or alive.”

They Were Estranged

Closeup of Madonna
Flickr | girls teeth

He added that the singer had her own life.

No Love Lost Between Them

“I never loved her in the first place, she never loved me. We never loved each other,” he stated.

Harsh Words For The Rest Of The Family

In the same interview, he also railed against his father and the rest of the family.

They Allegedly Didn't Care

He claimed they had completely turned their back on him.

He Needed Love And Care

He also downplayed his drinking problem, saying all he needed was “love and care of family.”