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Christopher Ciccone, the multi-talented younger brother of pop icon Madonna, has died at age 63 following a battle with cancer, his representative confirmed Friday. The death marks the latest in a series of losses for the Ciccone family, coming just weeks after the passing of Madonna's stepmother, Joan Clare Ciccone, also from cancer at 81.
Christopher died "peacefully" with his husband Ray Thacker by his side in Michigan on October 4, according to family representatives. His passing follows less than two years after the death of his eldest brother Anthony, who succumbed to respiratory failure and throat cancer at 66 in February 2023.
A versatile artist in his own right, Christopher's career intertwined significantly with his famous sister's ascent to stardom. Beginning as her backup dancer in early videos like "Everybody" and "Lucky Star," he later served as art director for Madonna's groundbreaking Blond Ambition World Tour in 1990 and as production design lead for 1993's The Girlie Show.
"She needed help buying some furniture, and there's where my interest began for filling a space, designing a room, and working with a client," Christopher had once told the Northern Express, describing his transition into interior design after Madonna requested his help furnishing her apartment in 1985.
Despite their professional collaborations, the siblings' relationship was complex. In his 2008 memoir "Life With My Sister Madonna," which reached #2 on the New York Times bestseller list, Christopher detailed their occasional conflicts. However, by 2012, he expressed reconciliation in an interview with The Evening Standard: "As far as I'm concerned, we're good. We are in contact with each other... We're back to being a brother and sister."
Christopher's creative pursuits extended beyond his work with Madonna. He directed music videos for artists including Dolly Parton and Tony Bennett, and maintained a successful career in interior design for high-profile clients. In his later years, he returned to Michigan "for work and to be closer to family," his representative stated.
Christopher has left behind a husband, Ray Thacker, whom he married in 2016, his father Silvio Ciccone, and siblings Martin, Madonna, Paula, Melanie, Jennifer, and Mario. His mother, Madonna Louise Ciccone, died of breast cancer in 1963, shortly after his birth.
Madonna, 66, had not publicly commented on her brother's passing at the time of this report.
