As if being the “Queen of Pop” wasn’t enough work, Madonna is simultaneously a mother to six children. Now 66 years old, Madonna welcomed her first child, a daughter named Lourdes, back in 1996 when she was 38 years old. Though motherhood wasn’t something she felt called to throughout most of her twenties and early thirties, the singer got candid about the role she’s been blessed to take on.
“I rejected the idea of being a mother well into my 30s because I associated motherhood with sacrifice, suffering and ultimately, death, and I wanted none of that,” she wrote in a social post in 2023, citing that all of her role models in life were accomplished women who didn’t have children. “When I finally did become a mother, I was astonished at how grounded I felt, but also dazed and confused as to how I would figure out the balancing act between being a good mother and an uncompromising artist.”
She went on to say that like many others before her, she’s made mistakes and experienced both the highest highs and lowest lows. However, she concluded by saying, “To say that I am proud of my children sounds arrogant or implies ownership. Better to say that they are all shining stars and I’m happy that their souls chose me to be their mother.”
Since first becoming a mother back in the 90s, Madonna has grown her family and continues to bask in the joys that motherhood brings. Here, read all about her six children.
Lourdes Leon: following in her mother’s footsteps
Madonna’s firstborn daughter, Lourdes, (who also goes by Lola or her stage name Lolahol), has dipped her toes into nearly every industry out there. From modeling to dancing to acting, in one way or another, Madonna’s eldest has the performative gene in her. She has posed for some of the biggest names in fashion and you may have heard some of her tunes including “Lock&Key” and “Spelling.” The 28-year-old even studied dance during college.
As for her relationship with mom, Lourdes told Interview Magazine that she’s grown to appreciate just how significant of an influence her mom has had on the music industry, calling her “probably the hardest worker I’ve ever seen.” Additionally, it seems like the “Queen of Pop” knows how to dish out some motherly advice.
“I’ve been so concerned with making a decent living, and wanting to live more luxuriously than I was when I first graduated and wasn’t earning a lot of money,” she said back in 2021. “She was like, ‘Remember, this s— is not real. It’s not about the money or your face or how hot you look. It’s about what you’re bringing into the world and what you’re going to leave behind.’” Who wouldn’t want to hear the wise words of Madonna every now and again?
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Rocco Ritchie: a rising artist making his own name
Madonna gave birth to her now-24-year-old son in 2000, his father being none other than famed director Guy Ritchie, who Madonna was married to from 2000 to 2008. Today, Rocco is a successful artist, and his most recent exhibition is on display in Miami. Earlier in the year, Rocco had an exhibition in Paris. Though his famous lineage means his upbringing was slightly different than some of his artist peers, for a while, he went under the pseudonym of “Rhed” to conceal his identity.
“I’m proud of who I am and where I’ve come from, but I know people would have judged me aggressively in my early stages if I came out with my name,” he told Artnet. “I wanted to develop technically before showing under my name.”
Whether he’s known as Rhed or simply Rocco, the artist has always had his mother’s support, the popstar often singing his praises to her social media and sharing her visits to see his work on display.
David Banda: Madonna’s multi-talented son making waves in music and fashion
Madonna adopted her son David (19) from Malawi when he was only a year old, and since then, he’s grown into an accomplished young man. Madonna’s second oldest son is a skilled musician, having joined her on stage in the past, and in recent months, he’s showcased his talents in the modeling world, walking in New York Fashion Week in 2024.
Chifundo Mercy James: a quiet daughter with a heart of gold
Madonna’s 18-year-old daughter Mercy was also adopted from Malawi, and the singer shared a look into the teen’s character when she shared a post last year for her birthday. “You were always the quiet one. The gentle one. The shy and stoic one. While all of my other children were clamoring for attention, you were hiding under your hoodie—never wanting to draw attention to yourself. Always humble and kind. Always the first one to say thank you. To clear the table after dinner! To come and hug me and say how much you appreciate something. And always the most responsible.”
Estere and Stella: Madonna’s young twins
The youngest members of Madonna’s crew are 12-year-old Estere and Stella, twins from Malawi. “I will never forget the first time we met you in Machinji,” the songstress wrote on their 11th birthdays on Instagram. “Your eyes held the whole world in them. The same way we now hold you locked inside of our hearts.”
