Madonna has spoken publicly following the death of her gay brother, Christopher Ciccone, who passed away at the age of 63 after a battle with cancer.
The 66-year-old pop icon shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram on Sunday, October 6, alongside a series of photos of the two siblings.
In her emotional post, Madonna reflected on their complicated relationship, marked by a falling out over Christopher’s tell-all book, Life with My Sister Madonna. She expressed relief that they had reconciled before his death.
“My brother Christopher is gone. He was the closest human to me for so long. Our bond was built on our shared understanding of being different in a society that didn’t accept us,” she wrote, recalling how they found solace in dance. “Dance was the glue that held us together through our difficult childhood.”
Madonna described how their shared passion for art, music, and film fueled their lives in New York City, dancing through the challenges of the AIDS epidemic, and working together on her early tours, where Christopher served as her Creative Director.
Though their relationship was strained, Madonna said they reconnected during his illness. “I did my best to keep him alive, but in the end, we held hands and danced one last time. I know he’s dancing somewhere now.”
Part of Madonna’s tribute read:
“We devoured Art and Music And Film like hungry animals. we were in the epicenter of all of these things exploding.”
“We danced through the madness of the AIDS epidemic,” the lengthy tribute continued.
“We went to funerals and we cried, and we went dancing. We danced together on stage in the beginning of my career and eventually, he became my the Creative. Director, of many tours. When it came to good taste, my brother was the Pope, and you had to kiss the ring to get his blessing.
“We defied the Roman Catholic Church, The Police, the Moral Majority and all Authority figures that got in the way of Artistic freedom!
“My brother was right by my side. He was a painter a poet and a visionary. I admired him. He had impeccable taste. And a sharp tongue, Which he sometimes used against me but I always forgive him.
“We soared the highest heights together. And floundered in the lowest lows. Somehow, we always found each other again and We held hands and we kept dancing.
“The last few years have not been easy. We did not speak for sometime but When my brother got sick. We found our way back to each other.
“I did my best to keep him alive as long as possible. He was in so much pain towards the end. Once again, we held hands We closed our eyes and we danced. Together.
“I’m glad he’s not suffering anymore. There will never be anyone like him. I know he’s dancing somewhere.”
Christopher, who gained attention with his controversial book, passed away peacefully on October 4 at his home in Michigan, surrounded by his husband Ray Thacker and loved ones.
He is survived by Madonna and their siblings Martin, Paula, Melanie, Jennifer, and Mario, as well as their father and extended family.
