Christopher Ciccone, Madonna’s Brother, Dead at 63

Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek’s network of contributors

Madonna’s brother, Christopher, has died from cancer at the age of 63, less than one week after the death of the 66-year-old pop icon’s stepmother, Joan, on September 26. A representative for Christopher apparently told TMZ that he died on Friday, September 30.

Christopher Ciccone was once a backup dancer for his older sister, and he remained involved in the early years of her stardom. He became a set designer and art director for her Blonde Ambition Tour.

Ciccone published a memoir, Life With My Sister Madonna, in 2008. In the book, he heavily criticized his sister’s voice, personality, and personal life. Per Goodreads, “he criticizes her lifestyle, saying that she is a ‘control freak’. He also criticizes Madonna’s husband Guy Ritchie, saying Ritchie’s homophobic attitude has strained the openly gay Ciccone’s relationship with his sister.”

Per TMZ, the siblings eventually reconciled around 2012. Christopher also released a line of shoes and had a successful career as an interior designer.

According to The Telegraph, Madonna’s parents, Madonna and Tony Ciccone, had six children together. The Queen of Pop’s mother died of breast cancer when she was a child, and her father married their housekeeper, Joan, three years later. Tony and Joan had two children together.

Madonna’s eldest brother, Anthony, died in February of 2023. After his passing, Madonna posted an Instagram story tribute to Anthony that read: “Thank you for blowing my mind as a young girl. You planted many important seeds.”

The singer has not yet commented publicly on Christopher’s passing.