Madonna has paid tribute to her brother Christopher Ciccone, who has died at the age of 63, describing him as "the closest thing to me for so long".Her brother, who was a tour director for the pop star and danced in her early music videos including Lucky Star,

The interior designer and dancer, who battled cancer, was his sister's creative consultant before they reportedly had a falling-out with the release of his 2008 book, 'Life With My Sister Madonna.'

Madonna is mourning the loss of her younger brother. Christopher Ciccone, a designer, dancer and artist, died “peacefully” on Friday, according to a statement from Ciccone’s family provided to CNN by his representative Brad Taylor.