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.
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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 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
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.”
