Madonna is sharing a rare glimpse into the lives of her twin daughters, Estere and Stella, as the pop icon emphasizes the family’s ongoing commitment to charity, particularly the efforts made through her organization, Raising Malawi, which she founded in 2006. This charity has been pivotal in aiding children in need in Malawi, the very country from which Estere and Stella were adopted in February 2017.
During an interview with PEOPLE, Madonna reflected on her daughters’ deep sense of empathy, stating, "The girls have a lot of empathy for vulnerable children in need of life-saving medical care and they are very grateful to be living in a country where medical care is readily available for people." This sense of gratitude stems from their experiences in Malawi, exposing them to the challenges many children face.
Raising Malawi was born out of Madonna’s desire to improve the lives of the children in Malawi, and it was through this organization that she met her daughters. In February 2017, after years of working in the country, she officially adopted Estere and Stella. Madonna's philanthropic efforts intensified when she opened the Mercy James Centre, the first pediatric hospital in Malawi, shortly after their adoption. "We are so much closer because we have a common goal, and that is making Malawi a better country for kids to grow up," Madonna remarked, highlighting the shared mission that binds her family together.
As of March 2025, Estere and Stella, now 12 years old, have grown into compassionate young girls, frequently visiting Malawi with Madonna. They are often seen accompanying her on tours, experiencing both the glamour of her life in the spotlight and the reality of their heritage.
Madonna, who already has two biological children, Lourdes, 28, and Rocco, 24, along with her adopted teenagers David Banda and Mercy James, 19, has embraced her role as a mother to all her children, focusing on instilling values of empathy and charity. She shared her feelings about adoption with PEOPLE back in 2017, saying, "It’s inexplicable. It’s like saying, ‘Why do you fall in love with the people you fall in love with?’” Her connection with Estere and Stella is palpably deep, as they also experienced the opening of the Mercy James Centre alongside their mother, learning to speak Chichewa with everyone present during the ceremony.
Madonna's journey doesn't end with her daughters; she is consistently looking for ways to engage her family in philanthropic work. Most recently, on March 11, 2025, the Queen of Pop unveiled an initiative called Raising Malawi Partners, inviting supporters to contribute monthly donations to help provide life-changing medical care at the Mercy James Centre. This initiative allows contributors to stay updated on the non-profit’s activities while offering opportunities to win merchandise and exclusive experiences. This new endeavor showcases Madonna's commitment to her mission of improving children’s health and wellbeing.
Throughout the years, Estere and Stella have not only stood by their mother’s side during charitable trips but have also graced stages with her during major performances. From the Madame X Tour in 2019 to a memorable Pride event in Brooklyn last summer, the twins have seamlessly blended their lives with their mother’s career.
In a world often defined by celebrity glitz and glamour, Madonna’s family's emphasis on charity, gratitude, and community service shines brightly. Their approach to philanthropy intertwines personal experience with larger societal issues, providing both a unique perspective and significant contributions to the lives of children in Malawi. The collective efforts of Madonna and her children stand as a testament to the power of love, compassion, and the belief that one family can make a positive difference, one life at a time.
