Madonna's stepmother Joan Ciccone dies at 81 after losing battle with cancer

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Joan Clare Ciccone, Madonna's stepmother and wife of her father Silvio Ciccone for 58 years, died at the age of 81, as reported by People.

According to an online obituary, Joan died on Tuesday, September 24, after a brief but aggressive battle with cancer. "She will be terribly missed by her family and friends whose lives she enriched with her enthusiasm, joy, and love," the obituary read.

Madonna’s stepmother Joan Ciccone dies at 81 from cancer

Joan Ciccone, who entered Madonna’s life when the singer was 8, had a significant but complex role in the pop star's upbringing. 

Madonna has been candid about her tumultuous relationship with Joan, revealing that she struggled to accept her stepmother during childhood. In a 2002 interview with Larry King, the 'Like a Prayer' singer reflected on her childhood after the loss of her biological mother in 1963, stating, “My mother died when I was little and that was difficult for me for a while."

“I mean truthfully, I didn’t accept my stepmother when I was growing up. In retrospect, I think that was really hard on her. She was (trying)... I’m very close to my father and I didn’t want to accept change in my life.”

In a 2015 interview with Rolling Stone, Madonna revealed that during her younger years, she "didn’t have any relationship" with Joan and, as a result, had "no role model" to look up to. 

A fan video from 2012 shows Madonna and Joan sharing a warm hug backstage during Madonna’s MDNA tour, sparking speculation that the two may have mended their relationship in later years.

Born in Taylor, Michigan, Joan Ciccone worked as a dental assistant before running a daycare for over two decades. After moving to Suttons Bay, Michigan in 1995, she and her husband Silvio developed and operated the Ciccone Vineyard and Winery.

According to her obituary, Joan took immense joy in her grandchildren and expressed sadness over her cancer prognosis, lamenting that she would not live to see them marry or start families of their own.

Joan leaves behind her husband Silvio, 93, as well as their children Jennifer, 56, and Mario, 55. Her death comes a year and a half after Madonna’s older brother, Anthony Ciccone, died at age 66 in 2023.

Internet reacts to Madonna's stepmother Joan Ciccone's death

The news of Joan Ciccone, Madonna’s stepmother, died at 81 due to an aggressive cancer battle has stirred varied reactions on Facebook.

One user offered heartfelt sympathy, writing, "Our Condolences to the family !!!" However, not everyone shared the same sentiment. "We’ve all lost someone. Move on. Madonna is in her late 60’s," commented another user.

Some extended thoughts and prayers, with one user saying, "Sending prayers for her," while others kept their remarks brief. "Stepmother passed away. They had a troubled relationship. You're welcome," another user noted.

There was even some confusion about Madonna’s age, with one user asking, "Isn’t Madonna 75 years old? How the heck does that work?"

"Her Dad is 93. Wow!" a user wrote.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.