Anthony Ciccone, Madonna’s older brother, died at the age of 66, according to a family member.
Ciccone, one of the star’s seven siblings, died on Friday night, according to reports.
He had struggled with alcoholism and was reportedly homeless for many years, living under a bridge at one point.
Joe Henry, his brother-in-law, announced his death on Instagram, writing that he had “exited this earthly plane,” alongside an old black-and-white photo of him.
“I’ve known him since I was 15, in the spring of our lives in Michigan so many years ago,” writes Henry, who is married to Madonna’s sister Melanie Ciccone.
His cause of death has yet to be revealed.
Madonna has not publicly commented on Ciccone’s death, but she did like Joe Henry’s Instagram post announcing the news.
Skip joehenrymusic’s Instagram post
Madonna grew up in Detroit, Michigan, alongside Anthony and her other siblings. Ciccone remained in Michigan after moving to New York in 1978 to pursue a career in dance and music.
They lost their mother to breast cancer when they were young children in 1963.
Brother-in-law Ciccone was described as a “complex character” by Henry in an Instagram post.
“We tangled in moments, as only true brothers can.
“But I loved him and understood him better than I was willing to admit at times. But the trouble fades away, and family remains – with hands reaching across the table. So, brother Anthony, farewell.
“I’d like to believe that the god your blessed mother (and mine) believed in has her waiting for you. No one will be able to convince me otherwise today.”
Ciccone had previously hit out at his family, accusing them of not caring about him, and had become estranged from them.
“In their eyes, I’m a 0 – a non-person. I’m a source of shame “In 2011, he told the Daily Mail.
“If I died from frostbite, my family would probably not know or care for six months.”
Later that year, it was reported that he had completed a rehabilitation program and had reconnected with his family.