Madonna: The Superstar and the Mother
Madonna, the world-renowned pop icon, is not just a global sensation for her music but is also a dedicated mother to her six children. Known for her unapologetic style and trailblazing career, Madonna has never shied away from sharing the spotlight with her kids. Whether it’s through social media, during her tours, or in her personal life, Madonna celebrates her children’s talents and milestones with immense pride. Over the Thanksgiving holiday, Madonna spent quality time with all six of her children and her father, reflecting on the experience in a heartfelt Instagram post. She described her family as "microcosms of life" that teach her valuable lessons every day. Her post also touched on the losses the family has faced, including the death of her brother Christopher and her father’s enduring dignity through difficult times. She concluded that spending time with her loved ones was "medicine for the soul."
Earlier in November, Madonna showcased her life as a "soccer mom" by cheering on her twin daughters, Estere and Stella, at their soccer games. She also attended a Billie Eilish concert with them at Madison Square Garden, sharing a photo of the trio backstage. The twins, along with their siblings Mercy James and David, were also part of Madonna’s "Celebration Tour," which concluded in May. Ahead of the tour’s 80th show, Madonna praised her children for their hard work, highlighting their ability to balance their studies with the demands of performing. She reflected on the toll the tour took, saying it was a year of "blood, sweat, and tears," but expressed pride in their resilience and dedication.
Lourdes Maria Ciccone Leon: The Eldest Child
Madonna’s eldest child, Lourdes Leon, born in October 1996, has grown into a talented model, singer, and dancer. Lourdes, who has followed in her mother’s footsteps in the entertainment industry, released her debut single "Spelling" under the stage name "Lolahol" in 2023. Madonna celebrated Lourdes’ 28th birthday with a heartfelt Instagram post, calling her "my first true love" and praising her energy, heart, and light. Lourdes has also made her mark in the fashion world, walking the runway for Saint Laurent during Paris Fashion Week in January 2025. Her mother couldn’t be prouder, often attending her events and cheering her on.
Rocco John Ritchie: The Artist
Rocco Ritchie, Madonna’s second child, was born in August 2000 to Madonna and her ex-husband Guy Ritchie. Rocco has grown into a skilled painter, showcasing his art under the name "Rhed." In October, Madonna shared photos of her visit to Paris to see Rocco’s exhibition "The Tourist," calling it the "perfect antidote for sadness." She also supported Rocco when he opened an art exhibit in Miami in April, expressing her pride on Instagram. In a birthday tribute to Rocco in 2024, Madonna acknowledged the challenges they’ve faced, praising his curiosity and artistic soul for keeping them connected. She thanked him for choosing her as his mother and expressed her eternal love for him.
David Banda and Chifundo Mercy James: The Adopted Siblings
David Banda, Madonna’s third child, was adopted from Malawi in 2006. When David turned 18 in September 2023, Madonna revealed that his tribal name, Senzangakona, means "Speak the truth," a fitting name for an artist. She expressed pride in David’s growth into a remarkable human being, calling him a "brightest star." Mercy James, also adopted from Malawi, has been active in her mother’s "Celebration Tour," performing alongside Madonna. Through her organization Raising Malawi, Madonna opened a children’s hospital in Malawi in 2017, named after her daughter Mercy. The Mercy James Institute for Pediatric Surgery and Intensive Care at Queen Central Hospital has been a lifeline for many children in the region.
Estere and Stella Mwale: The Twin Virgos
Madonna’s twin daughters, Estere and Stella, adopted from Malawi in 2017, have been growing up in the spotlight. Madonna marked their birthday in an Instagram post, marveling at how quickly they’re growing and praising their fierce, talented, and opinionated personalities. Estere even joined her mother onstage during the opening of the "Celebration Tour" in London, voguing to a ballroom interlude. The twins’ participation in the tour and their mother’s constant support highlight Madonna’s commitment to nurturing her children’s talents and individuality. As Madonna’s children continue to carve out their own paths in life, they carry with them the lessons and values instilled by their mother, a true icon and matriarch.
