Pop superstar Madonna has shared new details about her near-fatal health crisis in 2023, during which she was placed in a medically induced coma for two days after suffering from a bacterial infection and sepsis. The 67-year-old singer was admitted to the ICU and required intubation due to lung and kidney failure.

In a recent video shared with Vogue Italy from her London home, Madonna introduced her longtime companion, a purple stuffed octopus named Octavia. She explained that the toy holds a special significance, serving as a reminder of a nurse named Olivia who cared for her during her hospitalization.

"When I got out of the hospital and came home, my sister gave me this octopus," Madonna recounted. "I looked at her and all I could think about was my nurse who took care of me. She was screaming at me every day, telling me I needed to get up, I needed to get out of the ICU, and she really gave me a lot of courage and hope."

Octavia, inspired by the nurse's name, has been with Madonna ever since. The singer acknowledged that the toy's stuffing is "starting to get kind of gross, but I love her. I adore her."

Following her recovery, Madonna resumed her Celebration Tour in 2024, reflecting on the "near death" experience with her audience. She described the shows as emotionally demanding, as she shared the story of her life on stage.

Madonna also revealed that the first word she uttered after waking from her 48-hour coma was "No!" She humorously speculated that it might have been God asking if she wanted to ascend, to which she replied.

She recalled consulting her doctor frequently post-discharge, inquiring about her energy levels and recovery timeline. Her doctor’s advice to "go outside in the sun" was a challenge, with Madonna admitting it was difficult to even walk to her backyard. "It’s a strange thing to finally not feel like I was in control, and that was my lesson… to let go," she stated.

Madonna credited her six children with providing the motivation to recover and return to performing, stating, "My children are what really helped me pull through because they worked so hard. I didn’t want to let them down, so I just set a date. And that date became reality."

Family Reflections

In related news, Madonna discussed her relationship with her daughter, Lourdes Leon, and their collaboration on her new album, Confessions II. Madonna shared on Graham Norton's BBC show that Lourdes initially harbored resentment but that writing a song together proved to be a healing experience for them.

"She approached me, she's been very reluctant to work with me," Madonna explained. "She doesn't want to be perceived as my daughter, taking advantage of her privilege."

Lourdes had previously expressed a desire for independence, telling Interview magazine in 2021 that she paid for her own college tuition and first apartment to escape her mother's perceived control. Madonna, however, praised her daughter's songwriting talent and voice, calling her "insanely talented."

Madonna also touched upon the passing of her brother, Christopher, in 2024 after a battle with cancer. She described him as the "closest human" she had for a long time and reflected on their shared bond, which began in childhood and was nurtured through dance.

Christopher, who worked with Madonna as a backup dancer, personal dresser, and art director, had a public falling out with the singer in 2000. He later co-authored a tell-all book about their relationship.

Madonna stated that Confessions II was inspired by "family trauma," including the loss of her brother. The album is slated for release on July 3 through Warner Records.