Madonna’s deep affection for her six children shines brightly in her life. Her journey as a mother began in 1996 with the birth of her first child, Lourdes, and has expanded to include Rocco, David, Mercy, and twins Stella and Estere.
Reflecting on her family life in a 2017 PEOPLE cover story, Madonna shared insights about her emotional journey through adoption and motherhood.
She recalled moments of yearning for a lively home filled with children, saying, “Sometimes I would just close my eyes and just think, ‘Why isn’t my kitchen filled with dancing children?’ There’s so many children that need a home.” This sentiment drove her to take action and expand her family.
Madonna shares a special bond with her six children, who have been central to her life and emotional journey as a mother since 1996
In December 2020, she honored all her children by getting her first tattoo, which features each of their initials on her wrist, symbolizing her love and commitment to them. While being a mother of six presents its challenges, Madonna has candidly discussed her struggles.
In a January 2023 interview with Vanity Fair, she described motherhood as “the most difficult, the hardest battle,” expressing her ongoing efforts to balance parenting with her career.
“Because, whoever you are, having children and raising them is a work of art,” she emphasized, noting the lack of a manual for parenting. The endeavor, she added, is time-consuming and exhausting, leaving little room for rest.
In June 2023, she faced a health scare with a serious bacterial infection. On Instagram, she reflected on the experience, saying, “As a mother, you can really get caught up in the needs of your children and the seemingly endless giving.
But when the chips were down, my children really showed up for me.” This support revealed a side of her children that she had not previously witnessed, underscoring their bond.
Following her recovery, Madonna embarked on her Celebration Tour in October 2023, with her children Lourdes, Mercy, David, and the twins joining her on stage to show their support. Let’s take a closer look at Madonna’s cherished children.
Lourdes, 27
Madonna’s eldest child, Lourdes Leon, was born on October 14, 1996, in Los Angeles, the product of her relationship with fitness trainer Carlos Leon. From the start, Lourdes has been a pivotal part of Madonna’s life. The singer expressed her love through music, writing “Little Star” for her in 1998, a track on the Grammy-winning album Ray of Light.
Lourdes has emerged as a successful fashion model, collaborating with major brands such as Rihanna’s Savage x Fenty, Burberry, Marc Jacobs, Swarovski, and Mugler, and gracing the pages of Vogue and Vanity Fair.
In August 2023, she made headlines by posing for a striking campaign for Dion Lee, showcasing her modeling prowess in nearly nude shots promoting a new handbag collection. Despite acknowledging her mother’s “control freak” tendencies during her upbringing, Lourdes now admires her for her empowering influence on women and her forward-thinking attitude.
In an interview with Interview Magazine in 2021, she noted, “I didn’t fully comprehend that until I realized the importance of empowerment and what it means to be a woman.” She has also ventured into music, releasing her debut single, “Lock&Key,” in August 2022.
Celebrating her fashion sense, Lourdes attended the Thierry Mugler: Couturissime exhibit opening at the Brooklyn Museum in November 2022, donning a sheer black catsuit reminiscent of her mother’s iconic style. Later, she captured attention at the Marc Jacobs fashion show by arriving late and being turned away despite the paparazzi’s pleas.
Her red dress at the 2023 Grammy Awards, which featured a plunging neckline and thousands of crystals, drew comparisons to Jessica Rabbit’s famous look. Madonna commemorated Lourdes’s 27th birthday in October 2023 by sharing a touching video montage of her daughter’s childhood, expressing gratitude for being chosen as her mother.
Rocco, 24
Madonna’s relationship with director Guy Ritchie began in 1998, leading to the birth of their son Rocco on August 11, 2000, in Los Angeles. Rocco was christened in Scotland just after his parents tied the knot at Skibo Castle, although they divorced in 2008.
Rocco has shared his perspective on Madonna, stating in a 2012 interview with Ellen DeGeneres, “She’s a good mother… She’s very strict but in a good way.” He initially toured with her while completing school work, but later chose to live with his father in London, which sparked a custody dispute. However, by June 2016, Rocco and Madonna had reconciled.
Now pursuing his passions, Rocco is thriving as a model, actor, and painter. His latest art exhibition, held in Miami, featured a collection titled “Pack A Punch,” inspired by Muay Thai fighters.
David, 19
David Banda, born on September 24, 2005, in Malawi, was adopted by Madonna during a humanitarian trip she took in 2006, shortly after establishing her charitable organization, Raising Malawi. The adoption process faced challenges, but it was finalized on May 28, 2008.
In an interview with British Vogue in 2019, Madonna shared her deep connection with David, stating, “I feel like he gets me; he has more of my DNA than any of my children so far.” David frequently joins his mother on stage, showcasing his talent and charisma during performances, such as his appearance at Madonna’s Pride variety show in June 2022.
During an episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in August 2022, Madonna praised David’s fashion sense, humorously lamenting that he looks better in her clothes than she does. His 18th birthday celebration was a lavish affair filled with joy, dancing, and a cake featuring his likeness, with Madonna expressing her pride in him on Instagram.
In May 2024, David visited Prince’s Paisley Park studio while accompanying Madonna on her Celebration tour, sharing his excitement on Instagram about the once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Mercy, 18
Born in Malawi on January 22, 2006, Chifundo “Mercy” James was adopted by Madonna in 2009 after an initial rejection of her application. Following her divorce from Ritchie, Madonna pursued the adoption as a single mother, which was finally approved on June 12, 2009.
In July 2017, she furthered her philanthropic efforts by opening the Mercy James Institute for Pediatric Surgery and Intensive Care in Malawi, a milestone in her charitable work. Madonna celebrated Mercy’s 16th birthday in January 2022 with a joyful outing at Six Flags Magic Mountain, declaring her daughter the “kindest, most thoughtful, most magical girl on the planet.”
Her 17th birthday was celebrated with two family dinners in January 2023, where Madonna again expressed her love and appreciation for Mercy on social media.
Stella and Estere, 12
The youngest of Madonna’s children, twins Stella and Estere, were born on August 24, 2012, and were adopted in February 2017 when they were just five years old. Madonna remarked that it felt as if they had always been part of the family, highlighting their seamless adjustment.
As they have grown, Stella and Estere have developed their talents, with Madonna showcasing Stella’s piano skills and both girls exhibiting their dance abilities, similar to their older brother David. For their 10th birthday in August 2022, Madonna shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, celebrating their impact on her life and their family.
To mark their special day, she hosted a vibrant wig party, capturing joyful moments with pictures shared on social media, including images of the twins with their siblings Mercy and David.
In June 2023, Stella and Estere graduated from elementary school, prompting Madonna to express her pride and excitement on Instagram, celebrating their accomplishments as “2 Kweens!”
