Christopher Ciccone, the younger brother of pop icon Madonna, has died at the age of 63 after battling cancer. His death on October 4 occurred just 10 days after their stepmother’s passing and follows the death of their older brother in 2023, raising concern among netizens for the family.
A netizen's reaction to the latest death in Madonna's family, posted in October 2024
The Ciccone family confirmed Christopher's passing in a statement to ABC News. "Christopher Ciccone died peacefully on October 4th, surrounded by his husband and loved ones; surrounded by love," they said.
Christopher Ciccone poses for a portrait in Los Angeles on August 1, 2008
Christopher played a pivotal role in Madonna's early career, working as a dancer, choreographer, dresser, and creative consultant during her rise to fame. Beyond his collaboration with his sister, he built a successful career as an interior designer, footwear designer, and memoirist, dedicating himself to painting as his primary form of expression.
Madonna poses with her younger brother, Christopher Ciccone, posted in October 2024
Madonna expressed her grief through an emotional Instagram post featuring her photos with Christopher through the years. "My brother Christopher is gone. He was the closest human to me for so long," she wrote in the beginning of her caption.
Madonna's younger brother, Christopher Ciccone, posted in October 2024
She described their bond as "hard to explain" but said it was rooted in a shared understanding of being different. "We took each other's hands and we danced through the madness of our childhood," she added, recounting how they faced societal challenges together and later danced through the streets of New York.
Madonna and her younger brother, Christopher Ciccone, posted in October 2024
Despite their recent estrangement, Madonna shared that they reconciled during his illness. "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 [sic]," she shared, ending with a heartbroken emoji.
Christopher is survived by his husband, Ray Thacker, whom he married in 2016. His death comes just 10 days after the death of their stepmother, Joan Gustafson Ciccone.
Madonna smiles as she hugs her younger brother, Christopher Ciccone, posted in October 2024
Joan died on September 24 after battling aggressive cancer. She married Madonna's dad, Silvio Ciccone, in 1966, and became stepmother to his six children—Anthony, Martin, Madonna, Paula, Christopher, and Melanie—following their mother's death.
Joan is also survived by Silvio, Madonna's siblings, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her passing also followed the death of Madonna's older brother, Anthony, on February 24, 2023, at the age of 66.
According to his death certificate, Anthony died from a combination of respiratory failure and oropharyngeal cancer, a type of throat cancer often linked to smoking. The document also indicated that tobacco use contributed to his death.
Anthony had been receiving treatment at a nursing facility in Michigan, with Madonna reportedly covering his care expenses. He chose to have his feeding and breathing tubes removed two days before his death, despite knowing the consequences. He has since been cremated.
Christopher's death has sparked an outpouring of sympathy from netizens, with many expressing shock and sadness over the recent losses in Madonna's family. "Another brother past [sic] away?" one user wrote in disbelief while another echoed the sentiment simply with, "Another?" Others expressed sadness as well.
A netizen's comment about the latest death in Madonna's family, posted in October 2024
Reflecting on the recent loss, one user wrote, "Wow I was just thinking about him because her stepmom just passed away last week 😔 Prayers for Madonna and family 🙏🏽." Someone else remarked, "Aww wow, shocking. RIP🙏🏻," while another added, "Her whole family dying."
Madonna in Paris, France on November 13, 2023
More reacted to the series of losses the family has endured, with one person stating, "Her other brother died last year and this? 🥺. Condolences 💐 to her family and friends!" Another mirrored these emotions, "Wow that's crazy. That's a lot of loss in a short amount of time."
Madonna in Washington, D.C. on January 21, 2017
Some fans drew parallels with other public figures, with one noting, "This just happened to Mariah Carey too. Like exactly this weird." The netizens were referring to Mariah's devastating loss back in August, when both her mother, Patricia Carey, and her sister, Alison, passed away on the same day.
Mariah Carey performing on New Year's Eve in New York City on December 31, 2016
Mariah confirmed the devastating news in a statement. "My heart is broken that I've lost my mother this past weekend," she shared, letting fans in on the immense sadness weighing on her.
But as if losing her mother wasn't enough to bear, Mariah revealed another gut-wrenching blow. "Sadly, in a tragic turn of events, my sister lost her life on the same day."
Mariah Carey at the 2023 LA Pride in the Park Festival in Los Angeles, California, on June 10, 2023
While Mariah has remained a beacon of strength for millions through her music, this personal tragedy marked one of her darkest moments.
Unlike Madonna's late siblings and stepmother, the causes of Mariah's mother and sister's deaths remain unknown, adding mystery to the sorrow.
