Inside the quiet lives of Madonnas not-so-famous sisters as singer introduces new boyfriend

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The ‘Queen of Pop’ Madonna, a global icon known for her path-breaking musicography and glamorous lifestyle, is also a sister to six siblings, of whom most are comfortable being out of the limelight. While their famous sister is ruling the charts, Madonna’s sisters, Paula, Melanie, and Jennifer are content with their quaint lifestyle.

Madonna, born to parents Silvio Anthony ‘Tony’ Ciccone and Madonna Louise, shares parents with two of her other sisters, Paula and Melanie, and brothers Christopher, Martin, and Anthony, whose death the singer recently mourned. After their mother’s untimely death due to breast cancer in 1963, Silvio married their family housekeeper, Joan Gustafson in 1966. Jennifer and Mario were born to them.

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Meet Madonna’s sister Paula - the wine maker

Born on August 22, 1959 Paula is that one sister who started off in showbiz but later moved to an idyllic lifestyle. Currently the head winemaker in the family’s winery established by the family patriarch Silvio in Michigan, Paula is intensely private and an introvert. Paula, who like her one year older sister Madonna, started her career in the modeling industry. She is mostly known for 'I Love Trouble' (1994) and 'Mutual Needs' (1997). She also made an appearance on 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' in 1986. However, as an “intrinsically shy person”, Paula soon realized, showbiz is not where her heart lies. After trying out various careers in behind-the-scene jobs in films and corporate jobs, she found her calling in wine-making.

After coming to the winery in the summer of 2011, she first got her hands in the business. She said, “When I first got here, I just did the website. Then I inventoried all the rows of vineyards for each wine and tagged all of the posts. Once I was done with that, it was “What should I do next?””. Trying something different, she realized, “I didn’t come up here to be the winemaker, but I thought what the heck, I’ll try it. My father started giving me responsibilities in the cellar, involving me more . . . I started keeping a notebook of all the different procedures.”

The Ciccone Winery and Vineyard, located on the picturesque Leelanau Peninsula, with a sweeping view of Michigan’s West Grand Traverse Bay, has since been thriving in her presence. After taking classes in winemaking at Michigan State University, she has incorporated her innovative ways of winemaking. Since then the baton has been passed to her by her father, Silvio ‘Tone’ Ciccone.

A member of the board of the Michigan Wine Collaborative, Michael Schafer, was found to be saying, “Paula is a pioneering female winemaker who’s modernised the winery and brought it into the 21st century”. He further added, “I don’t think Paula ever thought she would end up running the family vineyard, but she’s done a great job with it and it’s clearly where she loves to be.”

Once very close, the two sisters hit rough patches in their relationship in 2000, with Madonna refusing to pay for Paula’s travel expenses in her journey to Scotland to attend the pop star’s second marriage to Guy Ritchie. Differences have, however, since been mended, and Paula has been found, on many occasions, attending Madonna’s tours.

Melanie Ciccone - a woman content in marital bliss

Quite opposite to her famous sibling, Melanie Ciccone, born in 1962, is married to songwriter Joe Henry for 35 years. The couple, who are still growing strong together, have two children. After spending 30 years in the bustling life of Los Angeles, the couple has recently moved to Maine to embrace a blissful and idyllic retirement life.

Melanie, who is lovingly referred to as ‘Smells’ by Madonna, is reportedly her closest sibling. She can often be pictured with Madonna and was seen holding the superstar’s hands while she was giving birth to her firstborn, Lourdes.

Melanie found her calling, first as a mother, and second as a fabric artist specializing in quilts. Known to have derived the passion for fabrics from her grandmothers, she has also showcased her talent at the Roswell Space Gallery in Los Angeles.

The fabric artist, who has carved her niche in quilt and textile industry, has been found saying her work makes her feel “connected to a deeper sense of herself.” One of her works, which has been a tribute to the artist Matisse, is named 'For Matisse' and is created with silk sari rags, burlaps and machine thread. Another one, 'Dar Luz' is made of recycled bras, silk charmuse, vinyl screen, etc. Her artwork finds the use of unconventional items.

Jennifer Ciccone, the half-sister

Born in 1967, Jennifer is the daughter of Silvio and Joan. She started her career as an art teacher in Michigan. She is now regarded as a significant member of the team running the vineyard. She got married in the family vineyard in 2011. She and her brother Mario both live in the vineyard.

A sneak peek into Madonna’s three brothers

While the family is grieving the death of the eldest of the brood, Anthony Ciccone, who died on February 25, 2023, Madonna has three more brothers - Christopher, Martin, and Mario. While Anthony and Martin both suffered from alcohol problems, Martin went into rehab and came clean. He now likes to help others with alcoholism. Mario is married and has two sons and works as a manager in the family vineyard. Christopher Ciccone rose to fame with his book 'Life with My Sister Madonna' which also created a rift between the two siblings. It is reported that the rift has since been mended.

Madonna’s new boyfriend

The 64-year-old popstar is reportedly dating 29-year-old boxing coach and former NFL prospect, Josh Popper. He is allegedly training one of the pop icon’s six children.