Madonna reflects on grief during the holidays: ‘Medicine for the soul’

The holidays are a lot. They’re a blur of twinkling lights, big meals, and moments of gratitude—but for many of us, they can also come with a side of grief, nostalgia, or heartache. Madonna captured this bittersweet mix of emotions in a heartfelt Thanksgiving post on Instagram, offering a poignant reflection on love, loss, and resilience.

Surrounded by her six children and her father, the iconic singer reflected on the losses her family has faced this year and how they’re navigating it all together.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Madonna (@madonna)

“We are born into families and we create our own,” she wrote. “As time goes by, I am more and more appreciative of these microcosms of life that dance around me and teach me lessons every day.”

Madonna shared that her family has endured a heartbreaking year. She lost her stepmother, Joan Ciccone, on September 24, and her younger brother, Christopher, passed away less than two weeks later on October 4 after losing a battle with cancer. Her older brother also passed away from cancer in February of last year.

Related: From heartbreak to hope: How one mom defied medical odds to welcome a ‘warrior’ baby boy

She recalled a moment that will stay with her forever: seeing her father cry at the cemetery as they buried Christopher. “It was a moment I will never forget,” she wrote.

Despite the weight of these losses, Madonna found solace in being with her family on Thanksgiving. She called their time together “medicine for the soul.”

Grief often lingers during the holidays, surfacing in quiet moments—an empty chair, a bittersweet tradition, or memories that tug at your heart. It can make the season feel overwhelming and unpredictable, even when there’s so much to be grateful for.

Related: Grief makes the holidays even harder

But Madonna’s words are a reminder of something powerful: It’s okay to feel all of it—the sadness, the gratitude, the joy, and the confusion that comes with making space for all those emotions.

Her post also reminds us that family isn’t just the one we’re born into. It’s the one we create—the friends who show up, the people who support us, and the communities we choose to be a part of.

If you’re grieving this holiday season, know this: It’s okay to profoundly grieve those we have lost while still finding joy in who and what is still here. It’s okay to cry at the table, laugh at a memory, or even just get through the day in one piece. 

And it’s okay to lean on the little things, too. A warm hug from our kids, a favorite Christmas song, or that second (or third) slice of pie—these small comforts can carry us through.

Grief doesn’t have to take away the meaning of the season. In fact, it can deepen it, reminding us of the love we’ve shared and the connections we still hold dear.

Here’s to holding it all this season: the hard, the beautiful, and everything in between. 💛

If you need support, here are some resources to help you through: GriefShare, The Dougy Center, Modern Loss, BetterHelp, or text HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.