Fans mourn Anthony
In the comments of Joe Henry's post, fans are mourning the loss of Anthony.
One wrote: "Wishing him a lighter brighter life in Heaven."
Another fan said: "Condolences to you and the Ciccone family. May he rest in peace with Madonna Sr."
Anthony was 66 years old
Born in 1956, Anthony Ciccone was one of Madonna's numerous siblings.
His brother-in-law, Joe Henry, shared the news that Anthony passed away via Instagram on Saturday night.
He was 66 years old at the time of his death.
'I understood him'
Joe Henry continued in his tribute:
"But I loved him, and understood him better than I was sometimes willing to let on."
Henry said that "trouble fades" while "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."
Joe Henry confirms news
"My brother-in-law, Anthony Gerard Ciccone, exited this earthly plane last evening," Musician Joe Henry said on Saturday.
"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," Henry said.
Cause of death not clear
Anthony's cause of death is unclear at this time.
He struggled with alcoholism for several years and during that time he reportedly lived on the streets of Michigan, residing under a bridge at one point.
Madonna's oldest brother dies
Madonna's oldest brother Anthony Ciccone has died at age 66 after battling alcoholism and homelessness.
His death was confirmed by Musician Joe Henry, the husband of Madonna's sister Melanie Ciccone in an Instagram post featuring a black and white photo of Anthony.
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