Family: Anthony Ciccone, Madonna's older brother, dies at 66

Anthony Ciccone, the eldest sibling of Madonna and a Michigan native, died Friday evening at 66 years old. Ciccone's brother-in-law Joe Henry announced his death in an Instagram post Saturday. Henry is married to Madonna's younger sister Melanie Ciccone.

Anthony Ciccone led a complicated life and shared close ties with his family, Henry said in the post.

"Anthony was a complex character; and god knows: we tangled in moments, as true brothers can," Henry said. "But I loved him, and understood him better than I was sometimes willing to let on."

Anthony Ciccone was born May 3, 1956, in Rochester, the oldest child of Madonna and Silvio Ciccone. His younger sister Madonna gained global fame as a singer-songwriter and actress, returning to Michigan several times for performances and to give back to the community.

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Henry ended his tribute with a parting message for Ciccone as the family mourns his loss.

"But trouble fades; and family remains— with hands reached across the table. Farewell, then, brother Anthony," Henry said.

A cause of death remains unknown.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Family: Madonna's brother Anthony Ciccone dies at 66