Meet Madonna’s 6 children: Everything to know about her large family
Madonna became a parent in 1996 at age 38 and has gone on to raise six children.
The Grammy winner has referred to motherhood as her “hardest” and “most difficult” job, telling Vanity Fair in January 2023 that it has been a “challenge” so far.
“Having children and raising them is a work of art. And no one gives you a manual,” she explained. “You have to learn from mistakes. … And it is exhausting because there is never rest.”
Meet Madonna’s six kids — and check out sweet family photos — below.
Lourdes Leon
Madonna was in a relationship with fitness trainer Carlos Leon when she gave birth to daughter Lourdes Leon in October 1996.
The songwriter’s eldest child claimed in October 2021 that Madonna was a “control freak” mom growing up.
“I needed to be completely independent from her as soon as I graduated high school,” Leon told Interview Magazine at the time, recognizing her “extreme privilege” while clarifying she didn’t get “any handouts.”
The model noted that she didn’t pursue a singing career because it hit “too close to home.”
Rocco Ritchie
Madonna and then-husband Guy Ritchie welcomed their son, Rocco Ritchie in August 2000, four years after Lourdes.
Rocco, who was “always surrounded” by art growing up, knew “from a young age” that he wanted to be an artist.
“It certainly helped growing up in a house that was passionate about art and culture,” he explained to Vogue Man Hong Kong in September 2021. “My parents … taught me to appreciate it and respect it.”
Page Six reported in 2021 that Rocco was selling art under the fake name “Rhed” for five figures a pop.
David Banda
Madonna and Guy decided to adopt son David Banda from Malawi in 2006, with the process being finalized two years later.
Amid backlash, the “Like a Virgin” singer’s rep clarified in a statement that Madonna felt “committed to maintaining an ongoing relationship with David’s Malawian roots.”
The Material Girl gushed to Jimmy Fallon about Banda’s style in August 2022, joking about how “irritating” it is that he wears her clothes better than she does.
“He can put on any outfit and look swag as you know what,” Madonna explained. “He can even wear a dress and look butch.”
Chifundo “Mercy” James
When Madonna attempted to adopt daughter Chifundo “Mercy” James from Malawi in May 2009, she was rejected because she did not reside in the country. The adoption went through the following month.
In 2017, Madonna claimed that her divorce from Guy had played into the delay at the grand opening of The Mercy James Institute for Pediatric Surgery and Intensive Care (per People.)
“I am a rebel heart. But I am also a compassionate and intelligent human being,” she said of her endurance. “And if you cannot give me a logical reason for the word ‘no,’ then I will not accept the word ‘no.'”
The Queen of Pop celebrated Mercy’s 17th birthday in January 2023 via Instagram, calling the teenager “precious, beautiful [and] talented.”
Estere Ciccone
The performer adopted twin daughters Stella Ciccone and Estere Ciccone in February 2017.
That summer, Madonna moved her family to Lisbon, Portugal.
Stella Ciccone
Madonna was “overjoyed” to bring her youngest children into her home, she gushed to her Instagram followers.
“I am deeply grateful to all those in Malawi who helped make this possible, and I ask the media please to respect our privacy during this transitional time,” the actress wrote.
“Thank you also to my friends, family and my very large team for all your support and Love!”
