The oldest brother of Madonna has died at 66. Anthony Ciccone passed away following a long battle with alcohol addiction. And while insiders say “most family members had a difficult relationship with him due to his disease (with alcohol),” they confirm Anthony had been in touch with Madonna and his family in recent months.

Joe Henry, himself a musician and Madonna’s brother-in-law, confirmed the passing on Instagram. “Anthony was a complex character, and god knows: we tangled in moments, as true brothers can,” he wrote. “But I loved him, and understood him better than I was sometimes willing to let on.”