The 'Material Girl' songstress, who was reportedly estranged from her late sibling over the last decade, shares her final tribute to him by sharing a group photo on Instagram Story.
- February 28, 2023
AceShowbiz - Madonna won't forget the good things her brother has done for her throughout his life. In the wake of Anthony Ciccone's death, the "Back That Up to the Beat" singer shared a sentimental tribute in which he thanked him for "blowing [her] mind as a young girl."
Making use of Instagram Story on Monday, February 27, the 64-year-old shared a group photo featuring her late sibling. In the accompanying message, he wrote, "Thank you for blowing my mind as a young girl and introducing me to [jazz musicians] Charlie Parker [and] Miles Davis."
Madonna went on to thank him for teaching her "Buddhism and Taoism" and about writers Charles Bukowski, Richard Brautigan and Jack Kerouac. She added, "You planted many important seeds."
Anthony died at the age of 66 on Friday. Announcing his passing was his brother-in-law Joe Henry, who is married to Madonna's younger sister Melanie. "My brother-in-law, Anthony Gerard Ciccone, exited this earthly plane last evening. I've known him since I was 15, in the spring of our lives in Michigan so many years now gone," Joe penned.
"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. But I loved him, and understood him better than I was sometimes willing to let on," he continued. "But trouble fades; and family remains - with hands reached across the table. 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."
Despite claims that Anthony had lost touch with Madonna over the last decade and had been left homeless, a source divulged has she "supported" him in whatever way she could. "They were all there for him and despite being estranged, Madonna supported him in every way she could when he was willing to take the support," the source told PEOPLE. "Family members including Madonna visited him while in his rehab facility as he declined these past few months."
