Kaylah Walton
Christopher Ciccone, brother to iconic singer Madonna, has sadly died at the age of 63 after a courageous fight against cancer. His publicist announced that he passed away peacefully on October 4, at his home in Michigan, surrounded by his husband, Ray Thacker, and family.
Christopher will be remembered for his significant legacy, which includes not just his famous sister, but also siblings Martin, Paula, Melanie, Jennifer, and Mario, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A representative of the family expressed heartfelt feelings, mentioning that “Christopher’s devoted husband stood by him through the final stages of his illness.”
During their upbringing in Michigan, Christopher and Madonna shared a deep connection, encouraging each other’s aspirations. He was instrumental in her rise to fame, taking on roles as her assistant, stylist, and artistic director throughout her successful career.
However, their relationship faced challenges starting in 2008 after Christopher published his memoir, Life with My Sister Madonna, which brought forth personal revelations and suggested that Madonna’s marriage to Guy Ritchie strained their bond, calling it the “death knell for my relationship with her.”
Christopher’s life was not without struggles
Christopher dealt with substance abuse issues, with Madonna reportedly helping him with rehabilitation costs. Their relationship faced another crisis in 2003 when he was removed as her tour director. However, by 2012, he expressed optimism, saying, “We are on a perfectly personable level right now… We’re back to being a brother and sister.”
In 2016, Christopher married Ray Thacker, who is originally from Britain. The couple faced challenges during the pandemic but remained close, with Thacker by Christopher’s side in his final moments.
Recently, Christopher moved to Michigan’s lower peninsula to be nearer to his family and to support his father’s winemaking endeavors at Ciccone Vineyards. His life was characterized by artistic pursuits, a complicated relationship with his sister, and the unwavering love of family and friends.
