Christopher Ciccone, brother of pop icon Madonna, has passed away at the age of 63 after battling cancer. His family confirmed his death on October 4, 2023, stating he died peacefully surrounded by his loved ones, including his husband, Ray Thacker. Thacker, who had married Christopher in 2016, remained by his side through the difficult final stages of his illness, emphasizing the depth of their bond.
Madonna paid tribute to her brother on Instagram, expressing her deep sorrow and the unique connection they shared. "My brother Christopher is gone. He was the closest human to me for so long," she wrote, reflecting on their relationship which she described as complicated yet filled with love. The music star recounted how their connection blossomed through their shared passion for dance.
"Dance was kind of superglue... it saved me and then my brother came along, and it saved him too," she reminisced, underscoring the role dance played as refuge during their childhood. Bishop Ward, their ballet teacher, had created a safe space for Christopher, who was gay, welcoming him before they both moved to New York City to pursue their dreams of dancing.
Throughout their lives, the siblings faced the harsh realities of society together, supporting one another through the onset of the AIDS epidemic. They attended funerals of friends lost to the disease, shedding tears but also finding solace on the dance floor. Madonna fondly recalled, "We danced together on stage in the beginning of my career, and eventually, he became my Creative Director for many tours." She emphasized Christopher's strong opinion on aesthetics, stating, "When it came to good taste, my brother was the Pope, and you had to kiss the ring to get his blessing."
Despite their closeness, the siblings experienced phases of estrangement, reminiscing about a time when they did not speak. Madonna acknowledged, "We did not speak for some time, but when my brother got sick, we found our way back to each other. I did my best to keep him alive as long as possible." This path of reconnection offered them both comfort during Christopher's illness.
Tragically, Christopher's death came shortly after the passing of their stepmother, Joan Clare Ciccone, who succumbed to aggressive cancer at the age of 81. Joan had been married to Silvio Ciccone for 58 years, leaving behind a legacy of love. An obituary praised her jubilant spirit, confirming how deeply she would be missed by family and friends.
The recent family losses draw stark parallels, as Madonna also mourned her older brother, Anthony Ciccone, who died earlier this year at 66. The siblings grapple with countless emotions following such significant family upheaval. Despite these heartaches, Madonna remains grateful for the moments shared with Christopher, emphasizing their enduring bond.
"I’m glad he’s not suffering anymore. There will never be anyone like him. I know he’s dancing somewhere," she concluded her touching tribute, celebrating Christopher's vibrant spirit and artistic influence. To accompany her heartfelt message, Madonna shared photographs and memories, capturing the essence of the sibling bond over the decades.
Christopher Ciccone is survived by his husband, Ray Thacker, and his siblings, including Madonna, Martin, Paula, Melanie, Jennifer, and Mario, along with cherished memories of the times they spent together, brimming with love, artistry, and resilience.
