Madonna is particularly known for songs such as “Like a Virgin,” “Material Girl,” “Like a Prayer,” “Vogue,” “Frozen,” “Ray of Light” and “Music.” Her influence extends beyond individual songs because she repeatedly changed her musical image, visual presentation and performance style throughout different periods of her career. Warner Music says she has sold more than 300 million records worldwide and identifies her as the best-selling female recording artist of all time.
Latest Update: September 28, 2026
As of September 28, 2026, Madonna remains active in music. Her official website says her new album, Confessions II, was released on July 3, 2026, through Warner Records. The project serves as a follow-up to her 2005 album Confessions on a Dance Floor and reunites Madonna with producer Stuart Price.
Madonna also returned to the MTV Video Music Awards stage in September 2026. Her official site announced that she would open the 2026 VMAs, marking her first live performance at the ceremony in 23 years. The announcement said she entered the event with 11 nominations.
The 2026 music activity represents another major stage in a recording career that began commercially in the early 1980s. Madonna’s return to Warner Records had originally been announced in 2025 as part of a new era surrounding her upcoming dance album.
Who Is Madonna?
Madonna Louise Ciccone is an American entertainer from Michigan who became internationally famous as a pop singer in the 1980s. She is also an actress, songwriter, record producer, director and businesswoman. Her ability to combine music with elaborate performances, fashion and visual storytelling became a major part of her public career.
Her breakthrough began with dance-oriented singles before the release of her self-titled debut album in 1983. Madonna’s official music site notes that the album included early songs such as “Everybody,” “Burning Up,” “Borderline,” “Holiday” and “Lucky Star.” The album reached No. 8 on the Billboard 200 and eventually received five-times-platinum certification in the United States.
Family and Early Life
Madonna was born on August 16, 1958, in Bay City, Michigan. She was raised in a large Catholic family and was the third of six children born to Madonna Louise Fortin and Silvio Anthony “Tony” Ciccone. Her father worked as an optics engineer for Chrysler and its defense-related operations.
Madonna’s mother died from breast cancer in 1963 when Madonna was only five years old. Her father’s later marriage to the family’s housekeeper, Joan Gustafson, expanded the household further. Madonna’s childhood experiences, including the loss of her mother and her strict Catholic upbringing, later became recurring subjects in discussions about her music and artistic identity.
She eventually left Michigan and moved to New York City in 1978 with limited money and a desire to pursue dance. Her early years in New York involved studying dance and working various jobs while trying to establish herself as a performer.
Education
Madonna attended St. Frederick’s and St. Andrew’s Catholic elementary schools before attending West Junior High School and Rochester Adams High School in Michigan. She later received a dance scholarship to the University of Michigan.
Although she attended the University of Michigan, Madonna left college before graduating and moved to New York City to pursue professional dance. She initially studied under choreographer Alvin Ailey and later performed with dance groups before moving toward music.
Career Path
Madonna’s recording career began with club-oriented music in New York. Her first single, “Everybody,” helped introduce her to the dance-music audience, followed by “Burning Up.” Her debut album, Madonna, arrived in 1983 and established her as an emerging pop star.
Her second album, Like a Virgin, released in 1984, transformed her into a global celebrity. The title track became one of the defining songs of her early career, while her performances and fashion choices helped make Madonna a major figure in 1980s popular culture.
She followed that success with albums including True Blue, Like a Prayer, Erotica, Bedtime Stories, Ray of Light, Music, American Life, Confessions on a Dance Floor, Hard Candy, MDNA, Rebel Heart and Madame X.
Major Songs and Albums
Madonna’s catalog includes some of the most recognizable pop songs of the modern era. Among her best-known singles are “Holiday,” “Like a Virgin,” “Material Girl,” “Into the Groove,” “Papa Don’t Preach,” “Like a Prayer,” “Express Yourself,” “Vogue,” “Frozen,” “Ray of Light,” “Music” and “Hung Up.”
Her official Warner partnership includes her recorded catalog and songwriting work. Warner Music says the agreement covers major albums such as Madonna, Like a Virgin, True Blue and Ray of Light, alongside later releases. The company also administers her songwriting catalog.
Confessions II
One of Madonna’s most important current projects is Confessions II. Madonna announced the album in April 2026, describing it as a continuation of Confessions on a Dance Floor. The album was released July 3, 2026, through Warner Records.
The project reunited Madonna with Stuart Price, who was heavily involved with the original Confessions on a Dance Floor. The album marked Madonna’s return to a dance-focused sound after a long recording career that has moved through pop, electronic, R&B, disco and experimental styles.
Acting Career
Madonna has also worked extensively as an actress. Her film credits include Desperately Seeking Susan, Who’s That Girl, Dick Tracy, A League of Their Own, Body of Evidence, Evita, The Next Best Thing and Swept Away.
One of her most significant film roles was Eva Perón in Evita (1996). Her performance earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. She has also directed films, including Filth and Wisdom and W.E.
Madonna’s Age
Madonna was born on August 16, 1958, making her 68 years old as of September 28, 2026. She celebrated her 68th birthday in August 2026.
Her career has now lasted more than four decades. She began performing professionally in New York during the late 1970s and released her first studio album in 1983, meaning her recording career has continued for more than 40 years.
Husband and Marriages
Madonna has been married twice. Her first marriage was to actor Sean Penn. The couple married in 1985 and divorced in 1989. They became one of the most heavily covered celebrity couples of the 1980s.
Madonna later married British filmmaker Guy Ritchie in 2000. Their son Rocco was born in 2000, and the couple divorced in 2008. Madonna and Ritchie also adopted their son David from Malawi during their marriage.
Madonna has not remarried since her divorce from Ritchie. Her later relationships have attracted considerable media attention, but she has generally maintained a distinction between her public career and parts of her private life.
Children
Madonna is the mother of six children. Her eldest child is daughter Lourdes Leon, whom she welcomed in 1996 with actor and fitness trainer Carlos Leon. Her other children are Rocco Ritchie, David Banda, Mercy James, and twins Stella and Estere Ciccone. People reported in September 2026 that Madonna is a mother of six and identified all six children.
Madonna has spoken publicly about motherhood throughout her career. Her family includes both biological and adopted children, and she has spent years supporting children’s causes, particularly in Malawi.
Her children have pursued different interests. Lourdes has worked in modeling and music, while Rocco has developed an interest in art. Madonna’s younger children have also appeared in family-related public events and social-media posts.
Religion
Madonna was raised Roman Catholic and attended Catholic schools as a child. Her relationship with religion has developed over time and has included an extended interest in Kabbalah, as well as spiritual themes drawn from different traditions.
Her religious and spiritual interests have influenced parts of her artistic work. Songs and videos throughout her career have frequently used religious symbols, biblical references and themes involving faith, identity, sexuality and personal transformation.
Height
Madonna is commonly listed at approximately 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 meters). Celebrity Net Worth currently lists her height as 5 feet 5 inches.
Madonna Net Worth
Madonna’s exact personal wealth is not publicly audited. Celebrity Net Worth currently estimates her fortune at approximately $850 million, with the page updated in June 2026. This figure is a third-party estimate rather than an official financial disclosure.
Her wealth has been generated through music sales, songwriting, touring, publishing, film work, business ventures, licensing, merchandise and property. Her extensive art collection is also considered an important part of her assets. Celebrity Net Worth has specifically noted that the value of her art collection could materially affect estimates of her overall wealth.
Madonna has also generated enormous revenue through touring. Her long-running concert career has included the Blond Ambition World Tour, Confessions Tour, Sticky & Sweet Tour, MDNA Tour, Rebel Heart Tour and Celebration Tour.
Awards and Achievements
Madonna has received seven Grammy Awards and numerous other music honors. She was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2008. Warner Music also identifies her as the best-selling female recording artist of all time, with more than 300 million records sold worldwide.
Her career achievements include numerous Billboard chart records, international No. 1 singles and successful world tours. She has also received recognition for her work in music videos, choreography, fashion and live performance.
Latest Music Career
Madonna’s 2026 comeback has placed her back at the center of pop music. Her official website announced Confessions II in April and described the album as a return to the dance floor.
Her return to the MTV Video Music Awards in September 2026 was another major career moment. The official announcement said it was her first live VMA performance in 23 years and that she entered the ceremony with 11 nominations.
Quick Table
| Full Name | Madonna Louise Ciccone |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 16, 1958 |
| Age in 2026 | 68 |
| Birthplace | Bay City, Michigan, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Singer, songwriter, actress, director and businesswoman |
| Known For | Pop music, live performances, acting and visual artistry |
| Children | Six |
| First Husband | Sean Penn |
| Second Husband | Guy Ritchie |
| Height | Approximately 5 ft 5 in |
| Estimated Net Worth | Approximately $850 million, third-party estimate |
| Major Current Album | Confessions II |
| Album Release | July 3, 2026 |
| Record Label | Warner Records |
Reader Questions
How old is Madonna?
Madonna is 68 years old as of September 28, 2026. She was born on August 16, 1958, in Bay City, Michigan.
When was Madonna born?
Madonna was born on August 16, 1958. Her full name is Madonna Louise Ciccone.
How many children does Madonna have?
Madonna has six children: Lourdes, Rocco, David, Mercy, Stella and Estere. Her eldest child, Lourdes, was born in 1996.
Who was Madonna married to?
Madonna has been married twice, first to actor Sean Penn and later to
Thomas Andrew is the founder of Odubio.com, a digital platform sharing inspiring biographies, news, and stories about global icons and achievers.