Madonna's older brother Anthony Ciccone has died at age 66, a family member announced through social media.
"My brother-in-law, Anthony Gerard Ciccone, exited this earthly plane last evening," wrote Joe Henry, Madonna's brother-in-law.
"I've known him since I was 15, in the spring of our lives in Michigan so many years now gone."
Unlike Henry, who had much to say about Ciccone, Madonna stayed relatively quiet regarding the news of her older brother's death.
According to reports, the "Like A Virgin" singer simply liked Henry's post on Instagram; she is yet to release a statement.
"As brother Dave Henry (who took this photograph) notes here, Anthony was a complex character; and god knows: we tangled in moments, as true brothers can," Henry continued.
"But I loved him, and understood him better than I was sometimes willing to let on. But trouble fades; and family remains- with hands reached across the table."
Madonna's brother-in-law, who is married to her sister Melanie Ciccone, might be referring to Ciccone's struggles with alcoholism and homelessness.
Billboard reported that Ciccone was even arrested in 2013 for resisting arrest in Michigan; he ended up with nine stitches from this incident.
"Farewell, then, brother Anthony. I want to think the god your blessed mother (and mine) believed in has her there, waiting to receive you. At least for today, no one shall dissuade me from this vision," Henry concluded in his Instagram post.
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Rocky Relationship
Madonna is one of seven children, and a source claimed that much like other families, her family had a complicated relationship as well.
A source revealed to Page Six: "Most family members had a difficult relationship with him due to his disease [with alcohol]."
"Madonna helped to support her brother when he would accept that support," they added.
"During his final months he was in contact with family and Madonna, but this past week he refused the support the rehab facility offered and it was clear he was ready to move on."
Another source told People magazine that Madonna and Ciccone did not have the perfect relationship, but the singer always tried to help her brother out.
"They were all there for him and despite being estranged, Madonna supported him in every way she could when he was willing to take the support."
According to TMZ, Ciccone once accused Madonna and their other siblings of detesting him: "I'm a zero in their eyes - a non-person. I'm an embarrassment. If I froze to death, my family probably wouldn't know or care about it for six months."
He continued, "I never loved her in the first place, she never loved me. We never loved each other."
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