The singer, who frequents Italy for her birthday celebrations, was joined by her entire brood, plus some close friends this week for a lavish sequence of celebrations.
In a series of Instagram photos, seemingly taken over several days, Madonna certainly expressed herself, showing off her eclectic style and wearing everything from a flower crown in her hair to a veil draped over her head.
One photo gave a rare glimpse of Madonna with her six children, all posing for the camera in varied attire. The kids, who range in ages from 11-27, are seldom seen all together.
Madonna's eldest and only biological daughter, Lourdes, 27, was born in 1996 to the singer and her ex, Carlos Leon. She shares sons Rocco, 24, and David, 18, (whom she adopted from Malawi) with ex-husband Guy Ritchie.
Madonna has done extensive work in the East African country, trying to combat their extreme orphan population, founding her non-profit “Raising Malawi” in 2006.
Following her divorce from Ritchie in 2008, the “Material Girl” singer adopted Mercy, 18, from Malawi, and 4-year-old twins Stella and Estere in 2017.
Madonna is rumored to be dating former college soccer player Akeem Morris. (Getty Images)
Just days before her actual birthday, Madonna was spotted in Portofino with her rumored new boyfriend, Akeem Morris, a 28-year-old former collegiate athlete. He was also featured in the Instagram photos.
Another picture showed the family celebrating son Rocco's birthday around an extravagant cake. He turned 24 just days before his mother's birthday.
In a separate post, Madonna showered her son in love, writing to Instagram, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROCCO— the long and Winding Road through all your many moods and incarnations has been tumultuous and full of surprises,” she started. “But through it all —your curiosity, and Artistic Soul has been the glue that has held us together. Thank God for Art. Thank God for you. We have been together for many lifetimes. Thank you for choosing me again. I Love you -for Eternity.”
In celebration of her 66th birthday on Aug. 16, the pop icon jetted off to Italy and marked the special occasion with her family, friends and rumored boyfriend Akeem Morris.
The “Like a Virgin” singer offered an inside look at the celebratory activities she got up to in a carousel of 20 photos on Instagram. “La Dolce Vita,” she captioned the post on Monday, Aug. 19. alongside birthday cake, champagne, heart and Italian flag emojis.
Included in the mix of photos were shots from her visit to Pompei, Italy where she attended an event at the Archaeological Park of Pompeii. She spent the evening with members involved in a project called Sogno di Volare, or “I Dream of Flying,” which allows local youth to act in classical performances at the park’s ancient theater.
The project was funded by Madonna’s Ray of Light Foundation and will continue to be supported by her in its next season, according to a press release from the park.
Also included in her birthday post were scenes of the ancient ruins and historic venue where the event was held. Other shots show her walking hand in hand with Morris as she dons a white gown and gold jewelry.
Another image taken from above shows the entire theater and a long, curved table with guests seated at every chair in the center. A close-up shot reveals a glimpse of the lavish tablescape as Madonna is seated next to Morris.
The singer and the Jamaican-born soccer player were first linked in August 2022 when they posed together for her Paper Magazine cover shoot. The two weren’t seen together again until two years later when she shared photos of them looking cozy on the Fourth of July in 2024, sparking dating rumors.
In the last slide of her post, the star poses with all six of her children at the event, including her sons Rocco, 24, and David, 18, as well as daughters Lourdes, 27, Mercy, 18, and twins Stella and Estere, both 11.
Along with spending time in Pompei, Madonna showed off some of the waterfront views she enjoyed while celebrating Rocco’s birthday. The singer’s oldest son, whose father is Guy Ritchie, celebrated turning 24 four days before his mom, on Aug. 11.
One shot shows Rocco with his arm wrapped around his mom as they stare down at the massive cake adorned with fruit, powdered sugar, candles and a message written in icing that reads, “Happy Birthday Rocco.”
The “Material Girl” singer made sure to snap a photo in her vintage floral Betsey Johnson ensemble while posing by the balcony that same night.
Madonna also enjoyed a stay at the luxurious Villa TreVille resort in Positano during her trip. The five-star hotel is the same accommodation that Jennifer Lopez booked earlier this summer for her Italy getaway.
The luxe destination, where rooms typically cost upwards of $2,000 per night, is nestled on the Amalfi Coast and overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea.
In fact, the “Material Girl” singer was feted by her children Lourdes Leon, 27, Rocco Ritchie, 24, David Banda, 18, Mercy James, 18, plus twins Stella and Estere, 11, when she recently rang in her 66th birthday at a blowout bash in Italy.
Held at the Teatro Grande, the lavish gathering included an al fresco dinner with Madonna’s close friends Steve Klein, James Vu Anh Pham, Daniele Sibilli, James Vu Anh Pham, Luigi Murenu and Iango Henzi, as well as her rumored flame Akeem Morris.
The seven-time Grammy winner shared photos from the festivities on Aug. 19, writing on Instagram, “La Dolce Vita.”
One snapshot featured Madonna—clad in a sheer white gown and a black bustier—with her kids, who were also decked out in formalwear. The sweet portrait was Madonna’s first Instagram photo with all six of her kids since Thanksgiving 2022.
But she wasn’t the only one in the family who recently hit a milestone. As seen in the same post, Madonna threw a another party to celebrate Rocco—who she shares with ex-husband Guy Ritchie—turning 24 on Aug. 11, just five days before hers.
For her son’s special day, the “Like a Prayer” hitmaker went all out and surprised Rocco with a massive tiramisu. Rocco’s twin sisters were also pictured at his bash, posing in coordinating black-and-white looks as the family hung out on a balcony overlooking the sea.
“HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROCCO—the long and Winding Road through all your many moods and incarnations has been tumultuous and full of surprises,” Madonna wrote in a separate Instagram post Aug. 11. “But through it all—your curiosity, and Artistic Soul has been the glue that has held us together.”
Referencing Rocco’s career as a painter, she continued, “ Thank God for Art. Thank God for you. We have been together for many lifetimes.”
“Thank you for choosing me again,” Madonna added. “I Love you -for Eternity.”
“La Dolce Vita…………….. 🎂🥂🇮🇹 ♥️” the Queen of Pop posted on Instagram Monday, sharing photos from their family vacation to Italy, including pictures of her birthday boy and his beautiful cake. But go all the way to the end to see the group snap.
Madonna stands in the middle, looking like a goddess in a sheer, lacy white gown adorned with gold necklaces and bracelets. Her long, black-tipped nails have crosses painted on them, and her long blonde hair hangs in loose waves around her shoulders. Twins Stella and Estere, 11, stand on either side of their mom. One is dressed in a stunning black sleeveless dress with frilly ruffles and a long necklace. The other twin wore a stylish cherry-print dress, with a white floral wrap on her head.
Behind them stands Lourdes, 27, on the left, dressed in a fitted black lace dress with sheer black scarf draped over her hair. Rocco, 24, stands next to her with his arm around his sister, dressed in a half-unbuttoned white floral shirt with layers of necklaces. David, 18, and Mercy, 18, are next. David looks snazzy in a colorful striped polo shirt, while Mercy James is beautiful in a bright red mini-dress with a gold “MJ” necklace and gold hoops. It’s clear they come from music royalty, because wow. They look like they’re ready to walk the runway after this.
The “Like a Virgin” star opened up about motherhood in a Feb. 2023 cover interview with Vanity Fair. “Today I am still struggling to understand how to be a mother and do my job,” she told the outlet, calling motherhood “the most difficult, the hardest battle.”
Madonna’s twin daughters Estere and Stella joined her at the 'Deadpool & Wolverine' premiere, showcasing their unique styles. https://t.co/cCebx01oHS
— SheKnows (@SheKnows) July 23, 2024
She also called it “a challenge” for her kids to grow up with her as a mom. “Because, whoever you are, having children and raising them is a work of art,” Madonna continued. “And no one gives you a manual. You have to learn from mistakes. It is a profession that requires a lot of time. And it is exhausting because there is never rest.”
Despite this, Madonna said that she enjoys “spending time with my kids” and “to see them happy, to witness their growth, to watch them evolve and then to find the things they love.” She added, “Most of my happiness comes from my children.”
Madonna will fund an artistic project involving youths, she announced during her 66th birthday celebrations in Pompeii.
While touring the Pompeii archeological park Friday with its director, Gabriel Zuchtriegel, the American pop star met a group of teenagers involved in “Sogno di Volare,” or “Dream of Flying.”
As part of the project now in its fourth year, hundreds of young artists perform re-adapted comedies by Aristophanes, starting from Pompeii’s amphitheater, Teatro Grande, and then touring other Italian theaters. Madonna announced she would fund “Dream of Flying” for one year — about 250,000 euros ($275,000).
“This project generously supported by Madonna is strategic for Pompeii, because it is directed to the people who live in this marvelous and complex territory, in particular youths,” said Zuchtriegel. He noted that many of the kids involved live in poor southern towns where rates of school dropout and unemployment are higher.
Zuchtriegel announced that the show financed by Madonna’s foundation will be on stage at Pompeii’s Teatro Grande in May 2025.
