Madonna's older brother, Anthony Gerard Ciccone, has sadly died at the age of 66.
As reported by PageSix, the news was confirmed by Madonna's brother-in-law, musician Joe Henry, who is married to Madonna’s sister Melanie Ciccone.
Writing on Instagram, Henry revealed: "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."
The tribute continued: "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."
Another star to pay tribute to Anthony was Goodfellas actress Debi Mazar, who was friends with Anthonoy.
She wrote on her Instagram page: "I have such fond memories of time spent with Anthony back in the late 80’s. A real Renaissance Man.
"Full of prose, lover of literature, his Italian Heritage, good wine [and] cooking. He would drive his 1960’s Cadillac over to my Brooklyn apartment in a snow storm, bring a pot of his freshly prepared Ragu, and all the fixin’s, and we would cook [and] laugh and talk all night."
Mazar continued: "I had a looming ex boyfriend always hovering in that period, so Anthony [and] I remained just friends. He was someone I respected and thought to be a brilliant mind.He nurtured my young soul.I will always choose to remember his kindness [and] smile.
"My condolences to his entire family. He was very much loved."
Madonna - real name Madonna Louise Ciccone - was raised Detroit suburbs of Pontiac and Avon Township, along with older brothers Anthony and Martin, and their three younger siblings, Paula, Christopher, and Melanie.
Following their mother's death at the age of 33 from breast cancer in 1963, their father - Tony - married the family's housekeeper, Joan Gustafson.
Together, they welcomed Madonna's two half-siblings, Jennifer and Mario.
The Daily Mail reports that Anthony had battled alcoholism for years, and even found himself homeless. At times, he had several run-ins with the law.
In 2017, he sought help and support as part of a rehab program.
Our thoughts are with Anthony's family, friends, and loved ones at this time.