Christopher Ciccone, a multi-talented designer, dancer, and artist, passed away peacefully on Friday at the age of 63, according to a statement from his family. Madonna paid an emotional tribute to her brother on Instagram, referring to him as “the closest human to me for so long.” She reflected on their shared journey, writing, “Our bond grew out of an understanding that we were different, and society was going to give us a hard time for not following the status quo.”
Christopher, who was best known for his creative collaborations with his sister, pop superstar Madonna, was a significant influence in her early career and artistic direction.
Madonna also credited dance as the force that saved both of them, describing it as the “superglue that held us together.” She reminisced about how the two moved to New York City to pursue their artistic dreams, with Christopher right by her side as her career skyrocketed. “We soared to the highest heights together and floundered in the lowest lows. Somehow, we always found each other again,” she wrote.
Ciccone played a pivotal role in Madonna’s early success, serving as the artistic director for her groundbreaking Blond Ambition world tour in 1990, which was later chronicled in the 1991 documentary Truth or Dare. He also choreographed the music video for her 1982 hit “Everybody” and directed Dolly Parton’s “Peace Train” music video in 1997.
In 2008, Christopher published his memoir Life with My Sister Madonna, where he offered an intimate look into their at-times turbulent relationship. Despite their differences, Madonna revealed that they reconnected in recent years when Ciccone became ill.
“The last few years have not been easy,” Madonna admitted in her tribute. “We did not speak for some time, but when my brother got sick, we found our way back to each other.”
Ciccone passed away surrounded by family after battling cancer. He is survived by his husband, Ray Thacker, his father Silvio Ciccone, his siblings, nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Madonna concluded her heartfelt post with a touching sentiment: “I’m glad he’s not suffering anymore. There will never be anyone like him. I know he’s dancing somewhere.”
