Anthony Ciccone, Madonna's older brother, has passed away at the age of 66.
The tragic news was announced via musician Joe Henry's Instagram - Mr Henry is married to Madonna's sister Melanie Ciccone. He shared a black-and-white picture of his brother-in-law on the social media site with a heartfelt tribute, the Mirror reports.
It read: "My brother-in-law, Anthony Gerard Ciccone, exited this earthly plane last evening. I’ve known him since I was 15, in the spring of our lives in Michigan so many years now gone.
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"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. 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.
"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."
Anthony Ciccone's cause of death is yet to be revealed.
Fans offered their condolences to Anthony's family, with one person commenting: "So much love to y’all."
Another wrote: "So sorry for your loss," while a third person shared a sweet memory of Anthony: "I have some really fond memories of him growing up.
"We bonded over our love of Calvin and Hobbes. I’ll be thinking about him and the Ciccones tonight."
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