Christopher Ciccone, Madonna's brother, has passed away at the age of 63.

Madonna paid tribute to him on Instagram, sharing a series of photos from their life together. She expressed the deep connection they shared, saying, “He was the closest human to me for so long. It’s hard to explain our bond, but it grew out of an understanding that we were different, and society would challenge us for not conforming. We took each other’s hands and danced through the madness of our childhood.” She also noted how discovering dance in their small Midwestern town saved them both, providing a safe space for her brother to embrace his identity.

Ciccone's career as a dancer intertwined with Madonna’s rise to fame in the 1980s. He appeared in her music videos, directed her Blond Ambition World Tour, and served as tour director for The Girlie Show. Additionally, he directed music videos for artists like Dolly Parton and Tony Bennett.

In her tribute, Madonna praised Ciccone’s impeccable taste and creative vision, referring to him as “the Pope” of good taste, and acknowledged their complicated relationship. His 2008 autobiography, Life with My Sister Madonna, detailed their personal and professional lives, shedding light on the challenges of their close bond.

In recent years, Ciccone had relocated to Michigan to be closer to family. He married British actor Ray Thacker in 2016, who was by his side at the time of his passing. Madonna shared that during Ciccone's illness, they found their way back to each other, expressing relief that he was no longer suffering. She concluded with a heartfelt sentiment, “There will never be anyone like him. I know he’s dancing somewhere.”

Madonna is also mourning the recent loss of her stepmother, Joan Clare Ciccone, and her older brother, Anthony Ciccone, earlier this year.