Who Is Stelle Ciccone? Meet One of Madonna’s Adopted Twin Daughters

Stelle Ciccone is one of the adopted daughters of Madonna, the famous singer, songwriter, and actress. Stelle and her twin sister Estere were adopted from Home of Hope Orphanage in Malawi when they were just five years old.

Madonna had earlier adopted two other kids from Malawi on two separate occasions before adopting the twins in 2017. Stelle is having a blast as the daughter of a famous celebrity. Unfazed by the fame, she is just like any other little girl enjoying her wonderful childhood and the privileges that come with being Madonna’s child.

How Old is Stelle Ciccone?

Stelle Ciccone is 11 years old in 2024. She was born in Malawi alongside her twin sister Estere Ciccone on the 24th of August 2012 to father Adam Mwale and mother Patricia. Unfortunately, her mother died soon after giving birth from complications from the cesarean section that birthed the twins. Stelle and her twin sister Estere were then put in the Home of Hope, outside the Malawian capital Lilongwe, by their father, who claimed he couldn’t take care of them at such a young age.

Her Biological Parents Couldn’t Carter for Her Needs as a Toddler

Stelle’s background isn’t all that rosy; her biological father Adam Mwale is a small-time Malawian farmer and although we don’t know her biological mother’s occupation, we can guess it wasn’t up to much. The couple already had five kids prior to having the twins. It is, therefore, understandable why her father had to put her and her sister in an orphanage pending when they are of age to join the family.

This move isn’t strange as it is a common practice in Africa to house motherless babies in orphanages especially when there is no supportive extended family structure. This decision by her biological father ultimately became a blessing in disguise as it was in that same orphanage that Madonna met Stelle and her twin sister and subsequently adopted them.

Stelle’s New Mom Madonna Also Has Other Adopted Children

It is no longer news that Madonna loves adopting kids. In fact, before adopting the twins, she had earlier adopted two other kids from Malawi: David Banda in 2006 and Mercy James in 2009. David’s adoption received so much publicity back then and unfortunately, it was all badly managed that it was implied that Madonna was ‘kidnapping’ the boy. Mercy James’ adoption almost didn’t happen because Madonna was resident in Malawi which goes against their adoption law.

This time around, Madonna kept hush about the twins’ adoption, denying all news as to their adoption despite her being in Malawi at the time. We can’t really blame her, after her experience with her earlier adoption processes, she probably wanted to keep it all quiet this time around. She had met Stelle and her twin while on a visit to the orphanage and after spending time with them, she decided to adopt them, asking herself; “Why isn’t my kitchen filled with dancing children?”

Madonna announced her successful adoption of the twins on her Instagram account in February 2017 and the whole adoption process was finalized after the twins had completed a 12 month period in New York with their new mom.

Stelle Ciccone’s Father Adam Mwale Didn’t Understand the Adoption was Permanent

Not long after Madonna had adopted Stelle and her twin, it soon came out that their biological father Adam Mwale had misunderstood the implication of the adoption. Whether by omission or commission, he claimed he was made to believe that Madonna was to foster the twins on a temporary basis.

According to him: “I was told from the start that Esther and Stelle were going to a rich woman’s home abroad, that she would give them a good education, then return them to me, to live with me and help all of my family.”

The Malawian legal team on the adoption case had a different story to tell, though. They claimed that the father had abandoned the twins at the orphanage and had married a new wife 2 years after the demise of Patricia. A claim that the father refused, saying that he visited the twins regularly and provided for them as well. But why hadn’t the twins been brought back to their family after outgrowing infancy, especially since their father married a new wife?

It is hard to know what to believe, and Madonna has chosen not to comment on this issue after all it is all done and dusted. The twins are legally hers and it is probably what is best for Stelle and her sister.

Stelle Ciccone’s New Life in America is Glamorous

For Stelle, gaining a new mom via adoption is definitely a dream come through and then her mom being the celebrated Madonna is the icing on the cake. From an uncertain future in Malawi to a stable and loving family, with homes in New York, London and Lisbon, Stelle is set for a bright future. She enjoys a loving bond with her new mom, who is loud about celebrating the twin milestones. For their eighth birthday, the pop singer hosted a lavish birthday party in Jamaica for the twins.

Stelle enjoys soccer like big brother David Banda who had to move to Portugal to pursue his dream as a footballer. She also loves music and dancing just like their mom. Madonna takes pride in sharing videos of the girls singing and playing musical instruments as well as dancing. Stelle and her sister even took part in their mom’s Madam X tour in 2019, dancing as backup dancers alongside sister Mercy James. The twins are quietly living out their blissful lives and have not been involved in any of Madonna’s scandals and controversies.

Is Stelle Active on Social Media Yet?

Stelle’s only social media presence as of now is on Instagram, where she shares an account with her twin sister Estere. The account appears to be managed by Madonna (or her team) and is filled with pictures and videos of Stelle and her sister living out their best life. From birthday celebrations to holiday and vacation trips as well as the twins’ daily shenanigans, there is never a dull moment on their Instagram account.

Other than the activities that are made public, the twins live an otherwise private life. Madonna in an interview once lamented that technology seems to be taking a toll on their intimate and family life, thus the decision to restrict access to phones and other gadgets for her kids. She even praised their occasional stay in Malawi where they are almost cut off from the world and get to enjoy nature and family time without distraction. So yes, Stelle has a limited presence on social media, and this wouldn’t be changing anytime soon.

Key Facts

Place of Birth	Malawi
Nationality	Likely holds dual nationality: Malawian and American
Adoption	Adopted by Madonna in February 2017
Sibling	Twin sister, Estere Ciccone
Notable Information	Stelle and her twin sister Estere were adopted from Malawi by Madonna. Madonna has four adopted children from Malawi, including Stelle and Estere, David Banda, and Mercy James. The twin sisters often appear on Madonna’s social media, sharing moments from their lives with their mother.

FAQs 

When Did Madonna Adopt Stelle Ciccone?

Madonna adopted Stelle and her twin sister Estere in 2017. The adoption was finalized when the twins completed a 12-month living period with her in New York.

What is Stelle Ciccone’s age?

Stelle Ciccone’s age is 11. She was born on the 24th of August 2012 in Malawi. Her zodiac sign is Virgo.

What are the names of The Twins Adopted by Madonna?

The names of the twins adopted by Madonna are Stelle and Estere Ciccone. She adopted them from Malawi in 2017 when they were five years old.

Who is Stelle Ciccone’s Father, Adam Mwale?

Stelle Ciccone’s father, Adam Mwale, is a small-time Malawian farmer with several other kids apart from Stelle and her twin. He still lives in Malawi with his family and has since remarried after the death of Stelle’s biological mother from pregnancy-related complications.

Was Adam Mwale Aware of Stelle and Estere Ciccone’s Permanent Adoption?

Adam Mwale claimed that he was not aware of Stelle and Estere Ciccone’s permanent adoption and that he thought it was only a foster arrangement whereby Madonna would take the twins to the United States of America, educate them, and send them back home.

His claims were disputed by Madonna’s lawyers, and the whole situation was later sorted out so that the twins could move with their adoptive mom to the US.

Who is Stelle Ciccone’s Twin Sister?

Stelle Ciccone’s twin sister is Estere Ciccone. She was born on the 24th of August 2012, just like Stelle, and was adopted alongside her sister by Madonna at the age of 5.

Where is Stelle Ciccone Originally From?

Stelle Ciccone is originally from the African country of Malawi. Now, she is an American by virtue of her adoption by the American singer, songwriter, and actress Madonna.

How Many Biological Children Does Madonna Have?

Madonna has two biological children: a daughter named Lourdes Leon (born on October 14, 1996), who is now a model, and a son named Rocco Ritchie (born August 11, 2000), who is now a model and actor.

What is Stelle Ciccone’s Net Worth?

Stelle Ciccone’s net worth is $500,000, and the source is, unsurprisingly, her famous adoptive mother, who is one of the most successful musicians ever.

What is Stelle Ciccone’s Height?

Stele Ciccone’s height is 4 feet 7 inches or 144 cm. She is still quite young and will grow taller as she gets older.