Christopher Ciccone, Madonna's Brother and Multitalented Artist, Dies at 63

Christopher Ciccone, Madonna's Brother

Christopher Ciccone, Madonna’s Brother and Multifaceted Artist, Dies at 63

Christopher Ciccone, the younger brother of Madonna and a talented artist, dancer, and designer, has passed away at the age of 63. His representative confirmed that he died Friday in Michigan after battling cancer.

Madonna honored her brother with an emotional tribute on Instagram, sharing a collection of cherished photos. “He was the closest human to me for so long,” she wrote, reflecting on their unique bond shaped by their shared experiences growing up in a world that often pressured them to conform. She credited dance, discovered in their small Midwestern town, as a lifesaver for both of them, providing a supportive environment for Christopher to embrace his identity.

Christopher was a significant figure in Madonna’s rise to fame during the 1980s. He appeared in her music videos, including "Lucky Star," and played crucial roles in her Blond Ambition World Tour as art director and tour director for The Girlie Show. His talents extended beyond his sister, directing music videos for artists like Dolly Parton and Tony Bennett. Madonna praised him as a visionary with “impeccable taste” and a sharp wit.

In 2008, Christopher published a bestselling memoir, "Life with My Sister Madonna," detailing their complex relationship and the challenges that came with fame. He described his years alongside her as both rewarding and challenging, akin to a marriage. Over the years, they experienced ups and downs but found a way to reconnect as he faced illness.

After relocating to Michigan to be closer to family, Christopher married British actor Ray Thacker in 2016. He was surrounded by loved ones when he passed. Madonna expressed her relief that he was no longer suffering, stating, “There will never be anyone like him. I know he’s dancing somewhere.”

The loss follows the recent passing of their stepmother, Joan Clare Ciccone, and Madonna's older brother, Anthony Ciccone, earlier this year.

Christopher Ciccone, Madonna's Brother and Multitalented Artist, Dies at 63