Madonna's older brother Anthony Ciccone has died at the age of 66.
Musician Joe Henry, who is married to Madonna’s sister Melanie Ciccone, announced the sad news on Instagram on Saturday.
Sharing a black-and-white picture of his brother-in-law, Joe wrote: "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.
"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."
His cause of death has not been revealed.
Fans offered their condolences to Anthony's family, with one person commenting: "So much love to y’all."
Another wrote: "So sorry for your loss," while a third person shared a sweet memory of Anthony: "I have some really fond memories of him growing up.
"We bonded over our love of Calvin and Hobbes. I’ll be thinking about him and the Ciccones tonight."
Anthony was believed to have been living in Michigan at the time of his death.
He had struggled with alcoholism and was reportedly homeless for several years, at one point living under a bridge in Michigan.
In December 2017, the Daily Mail reported that Anthony had completed a stay at a rehab facility and later reconnected with his family at home.
Anthony had previously hit out at his family and accused them of not caring about him.
"I'm a zero in their eyes – a non-person. I’m an embarrassment. If I froze to death, my family probably wouldn't know or care about it for six months," he told the publication back in 2011.
He also opened about his relationship with Madonna.
"I never loved her in the first place, she never loved me. We never loved each other," he claimed.
The Vogue hitmaker is yet to speak out about her brother's death.
*Frank offers confidential advice about drugs and addiction (email frank@talktofrank.com, message 82111 or call 0300 123 6600) or the NHS has information about getting help.
