Madonna shared a photo from her younger brother Anthony Ciccone's death on Instagram on February 27. She said she wanted to express her gratitude to him for being so amazing.
Madonna's brother-in-law, Joe Henry, posted a black-and-white photograph of Anthony on February 26 and revealed the sad news to the world. "My brother-in-law, Anthony Gerard Ciccone, left this earthly plane last evening," Joe wrote.
Joe continues, "But I loved him and understood him better than I was sometimes willing to give up." But trouble fades; and family remains—with hands reaching across the table. I want to believe that your blessed mother (and mine) has her waiting for you. At least for today, no one will dissuade me from this vision."
Anthony was one of Madonna's seven siblings. PEOPLE reported that Anthony had issues that impacted his interactions with his entire family, including Madonna. Despite being estranged, Madonna remained close to him while he was in rehab.
Madonna Louise died of breast cancer in 1963, when Madonna was five years old.
