Although she is known as the world’s ‘queen of pop’, Madonna’s personal life is not as glamorous as audiences imagine, and even her siblings have extremely difficult lives.
Despite Madonna ‘s global influence , the singer’s seven other siblings and 93-year-old father have largely stayed out of the public eye.
On October 4, designer Christopher Ciccone – Madonna’s closest brother – passed away from cancer at the age of 64. Since then, the relationship between Madonna and other family members has also been of public interest.
The Like A Virgin singer grew up in a large family.
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Silvio Ciccone and Madonna Louise – Madonna’s parents – had 6 children together, including Anthony, Martin, Madonna, Paula, Christopher and Melanie. After Madonna Louise passed away, Silvio and his second wife Joan welcomed 2 more children, Jennifer and Mario.
Anthony Ciccone
Madonna’s eldest brother Anthony Ciccone died last year after a long struggle with alcoholism and living on the streets .
Anthony once publicly said that his family had turned their backs on him: “I am nothing to them. I am a nobody, a disgrace. If I freeze to death, my family will probably not know or care for at least six months.”
While homeless, Anthony earned money by doing odd jobs and collecting bottles from trash cans.
Unlike his sister, Anthony Ciccone had a difficult life as he struggled with alcoholism and homelessness.
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Madonna knew about her brother’s situation and offered to help him several times by paying for his rehab. Things seemed to be looking up for Anthony after he was released from rehab and reintegrated into family life in 2017.
Christopher Ciccone
The “Queen of Pop” was closer to Christopher Ciccone than any of her seven siblings. Christopher also worked as a backup dancer in Madonna’s music videos: Holiday (1983) and Lucky Star (1984). Christopher later became his sister’s personal art director and wardrobe consultant until their feud broke out in 2000.
Christopher shocked the world by calling Madonna an “evil queen” in a leaked email, in which he lamented that he had given up his artistic dreams to support his sister’s mediocre talent. Christopher revealed that Madonna had looked down on him and paid him “poorly” during his 15 years of employment.
Although he did not face financial challenges like many of his siblings, Christopher Ciccone’s spiritual life was full of turmoil.
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In a 1991 interview with The Advocate , Madonna publicly revealed that her brother was gay . This angered Christopher: “She made a revelation about my private life. She never thought about whether I would agree to it or not. Besides, whether or not to come out, when and at what time was always my decision, not Madonna’s.”
However, by 2012, the two appeared to have reconciled. When Christopher passed away, Madonna paid tribute to her brother with a post, noting that the two had mended their relationship years ago.
Martin Ciccone
Like his late brother Anthony, Martin Ciccone also had a troubled past struggling with alcoholism, being arrested for drunk driving, serving time in jail and multiple stints in rehab.
In 1994, Martin Ciccone released his debut rap album under the stage name MC Ciccone, which included many bitter criticisms of his sister.
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Martin Ciccone is now divorced and has a daughter. He lives in Los Angeles and is trying to become a voiceover artist. Martin Ciccone and Madonna are said to remain on friendly terms.
Several of Madonna’s other siblings currently work at the family’s vineyard and winery in Michigan, USA.
