Global pop icon Madonna has once again opened up about her views on life and death, sharing an emotional letter that provides a glimpse into her personal journey with loss. In a heartfelt Instagram Story post on February 27, the legendary singer reflected on the passing of her mother during her childhood, revealing how the experience shaped her perspective on mortality.
Madonna first penned the letter in November, detailing how the loss of her mother left a profound impact on her psyche.
Explore
A Childhood Marked by Loss and Fear
“When I was a child my mother died. Seeing her beautiful face in the open casket and kissing her red lips to say goodbye, left a haunting memory. A deep longing. A terrible fear of abandonment,” she wrote.
The grief and fear of losing another loved one led Madonna to develop an unusual fascination with cemeteries, often following her father around and asking him to ensure that she would be buried alongside him. Despite the deep sorrow she felt, she explained that her mother’s passing made her view death not as an end, but as a “doorway to eternal life.”
“As life went on I lost many people that I loved dearly, and came to look at death as a kind of doorway to eternal life. Even when my lovers left me I saw it as a kind of death,” she added.
Finding Solace in Connection with the Departed
The singer further shared how she found comfort in visiting graves, attempting to connect with the souls of the departed. She recalled words from a nun, Sister Mary Theresa, who once told her, “We are all married to God… I am the bride of Christ. I am the bride of love.”
“This sounded so romantic to me. I imagined I could tell her all my deepest secrets. ‘Bury your fear. Bury your fear,’ she would say to me. Then she would take my hand and we would walk amongst the dead, under the light of the full moon,” Madonna reminisced.
The ‘Celebration’ singer also shared a summarized version of the letter in a post accompanied by a series of photos from a recent photoshoot.
Overcoming Near-Death Experience and Moving Forward
Madonna’s reflections on mortality come months after she survived a life-threatening health scare in mid-2023. The singer was hospitalized due to a severe bacterial infection, which led to her being placed in the ICU and temporarily slipping into a coma. Her family revealed that they had been “preparing for the worst.” However, she made a miraculous recovery and returned to the stage, resuming her tour.
Reflecting on her journey in July, she wrote: “A year ago today, I had just come home from the hospital after surviving a life-threatening illness. I could barely stand in my backyard holding one sparkler. I made a miraculous recovery and had an amazing year. Thank you God. Life is beautiful!”
Upcoming Projects and Political Commentary
In addition to sharing her thoughts on life and death, Madonna has continued to make headlines. She recently announced the re-release of her classic 1994 album Bedtime Stories, delighting longtime fans. Furthermore, she has been vocal in her criticism of former U.S. President Donald Trump, particularly his recent remarks referring to himself as a “king.”
As Madonna continues to reflect on her past and navigate the present, she remains a cultural icon who is unafraid to share her truth—whether through music, personal reflections, or social commentary.
