Madonna, the legendary queen of pop, isn’t just known for her iconic hits like ‘Like A Virgin’ and ‘Material Girl’—she also has a heartfelt connection to motherhood, as reflected in her many songs about children and family. At 66, she proudly embraces her role as a mother to six kids, including Lourdes, Rocco, David, Mercy, and twins Stella and Estere.
AMOS GUMULIRA/Getty Images
Here’s a brief look at her wonderful family:
Lourdes Leon
Madonna and her then-partner, Carlos Leon, welcomed Lourdes on October 14, 1996, in Los Angeles. Madonna was so inspired by her daughter that she penned “Little Star” for her 1998 album Ray of Light. Today, Lourdes is a rising fashion icon, modeling for renowned brands like Rihanna’s Savage x Fenty and Burberry. The mother-daughter duo often turns heads on the red carpet, with Lourdes frequently sporting items from Madonna’s extensive wardrobe.
Rocco Ritchie
Born on August 11, 2000, to Madonna and director Guy Ritchie, Rocco has always been in the spotlight. After his parents’ divorce in 2008, they shared custody, and he often traveled with his mother. In a 2013 interview on Good Morning America, Madonna described Rocco as “the showboat in the family.” In 2015, Rocco decided to move to London to be closer to his father, a change that he described as pivotal for his growth into adulthood.
David Banda
Madonna adopted David from Malawi’s Home of Hope orphanage in October 2006. Celebrating David’s 18th birthday in 2023, she reflected on their journey, expressing pride in his progress as a young artist. His name means “to speak the truth,” which Madonna feels is fitting for him.
Mercy James
In 2009, Madonna returned to Malawi to adopt her daughter Mercy, born on January 22, 2006. Despite facing scrutiny and accusations at the time, Madonna has always emphasized the genuine bond she shares with Mercy. For Mercy’s 16th birthday in 2022, she celebrated her as “the kindest and most magical girl on the planet.”
Stella and Estere Ciccone
Madonna adopted twins Stella and Estere from Malawi in February 2017, after meeting them at the same orphanage as David. Now pre-teens, the twins frequently join their mother on various adventures, from charity events in Malawi to film premieres like Deadpool & Wolverine.
Madonna’s journey as a mother illustrates her ability to balance her iconic music career with her dedication to family, proving that being a mom is a significant part of her life story.