Madonna’s brother Anthony Ciccone’s cause of death revealed

The death certificate of the singer’s late brother has been revealed weeks after his passing at the aged of 66.

Madonna’s brother Anthony Ciccone died on February 25, aged 66.

The cause of death of Madonna’s older brother has been revealed weeks after his death.

According to a death certificate obtained by TMZ, Anthony Ciccone died from a combination of health issues including respiratory failure and throat cancer.

Oropharyngeal cancer was specifically listed with the document stating tobacco was a contributing factor in his death at 66.

Anthony died on February 25 while receiving treatment at a Michigan nursing facility, which was reportedly paid for by his famous sibling. TMZ reported at the time that Anthony had his feeding and breathing tubes removed two days before he died, despite knowing it could prove fatal.

Madonna says she’s grateful to her brother for introducing her to the arts. Picture: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Anthony Ciccone was receiving treatment at a Michigan nursing facility before his death. Picture: SplashNews.com Picture: Splash News/Media Mode

It was Madonna’s brother-in-law, Joe Henry – who is married to the singer’s sister, Melanie Ciccone – who announced his death on Instagram.

“My brother-in-law, Anthony Gerard Ciccone, exited this earthly plane last evening,” Joe captioned his post, which featured a black-and-white photo of Anthony.

“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,” he continued. “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.”

Madonna grew estranged from her brother in later years but financially supported him up until his death in February. Picture: Theo Wargo/Getty Images for MTV/ViacomCBS

Three days after his death, Madonna shared a beautiful tribute and thank you to Anthony on social media.

“Thank you for blowing my mind as a young girl and introducing me to Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Buddhism, Taoism, Charles Bukowski, Richard Brautigan, Jack Kerouac, Expansive Thinking Outside the Box,” she shared on Instagram Stories. “You planted many important seeds.”

Despite growing estranged over the years, the pop star still cared for her troubled sibling, reportedly paying for his hospital stay and supporting him from afar.

“They were all there for him and despite being estranged, Madonna supported him in every way she could when he was willing to take the support,” a source told People. “Family members including Madonna visited him while in his rehab facility as he declined these past few months.”