Anthony Ciccone, the oldest brother of pop icon Madonna, passed away on February 25, 2023, at the age of 66. Though the cause of his death is still undetermined, it is known that he battled alcoholism and homelessness for several years.
The musician, Joe Henry, who is also the husband of Madonna’s sister Melanie Ciccone, confirmed his death by posting a black and white picture on his Instagram.
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Henry wrote in the caption, “My brother-in-law, Anthony Gerard Ciccone, exited this earthly plane last evening.”
He also mentioned, “I’ve known him since I was 15, in the spring of our lives in Michigan so many years now gone. “
Despite his famous sister’s success, Anthony led a life of alcoholism and homelessness.
In 2013, Anthony accused Madonna and his father of abandoning him.
“Madonna doesn’t give a s**t if I’m dead or alive,” he told the Daily Mail at the time. “She lives in her own world.”
“I never loved her in the first place, she never loved me. We never loved each other,” he claimed.
Anthony added to it, “My father would be very happy if I died of hypothermia and then he would not have to worry about it anymore.
He doesn’t want to be bothered, he’s lived his life you see. He doesn’t like me.”
Anthony’s struggles with alcoholism were well-known to those close to him, and he had reportedly battled the addiction for decades.
In 2008, he made headlines after he was arrested for public intoxication and disorderly conduct in Traverse City, Michigan. At the time, he was living on the streets and had reportedly been drinking heavily for days before the incident.
While posting the photo of Anthony announcing his death, Joe Henry also mentioned, “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.”
He also stated that no matter the differences, Anthony was still loved by him and the family, “ 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.”
He bid his adieu to his brother-in-law by saying, “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.”