Madonna's Brave Steps: Overcoming A 'Near-Death' Health Scare To Reach Her Backyard

Defying the odds, Madonna takes on a personal challenge post-health scare, proving resilience knows no bounds.

Davy

• Published in Film & TV
• March 6, 2024

In the face of adversity, even the simplest tasks can seem monumental. This was the reality for pop icon Madonna, who, after a harrowing 'near-death' health scare, found herself grappling with the challenge of just walking to her own backyard.

Despite the physical and emotional hurdles, her determination shone brightly. "I did it anyway," she declared, embodying the spirit of perseverance. This story isn't just about a walk; it's a testament to Madonna's unyielding strength and the universal journey of overcoming the obstacles life throws our way.

Madonna has shared unsettling insights into her "near-death" health crisis in 2023, an ordeal that lent her subsequent comeback to the world stage an added layer of triumph.

During a break in her Celebration Tour in Los Angeles on a Monday night, the 65-year-old superstar took a moment to discuss the severe bacterial infection that not only led to the postponement of her tour's scheduled start last summer but also threatened her life.

"Every other day, I'd be on the phone with my doctor, questioning when I'd regain my energy when I'd start feeling like myself again, and when I'd be able to resume touring," Madonna recounted to her fans at the Kia Forum, acknowledging the medical team that played a crucial role in her recovery. The only advice her doctor gave was deceptively simple: "Just go outside, get some sun."

Madonna shared that navigating her home became a significant challenge during her recovery, yet she persevered to regain her strength.

"Walking from my house to the backyard just to sit in the sun was incredibly tough. It might sound unbelievable, but it was a struggle, and I was uncertain about when I'd be able to stand up again, feel like myself, and have my energy back," she explained.

"Feeling out of control for the first time was a bizarre experience, and it taught me to relinquish control. I'm grateful to everyone here who looked after me, endured my constant complaints, and my demands for assurances I couldn't get. Your patience and kindness never wavered."

The singer-songwriter stirred up the crowd further by recounting a conversation with her manager, Guy Oseary. She shared that he had asked her about returning to touring while she was still connected to medical equipment due to the initial delay of the Celebration Tour.

"I removed the oxygen from my nose, stared at him, and replied, 'In two freaking months!'" Madonna exclaimed to the applause of the audience. "I just said it. Sometimes, you have to speak your mind, manifest it, and watch it come true."

Before delving into an acoustic rendition of her 1989 hit "Express Yourself," Madonna shared with the audience that her fans and family served as her main inspiration to regain her vitality.

"My children were my main driving force. They put in so much effort. I didn't want to let them down, so I set a goal, and that goal became reality," she explained, referring to segments of the tour featuring performances by her children, such as David Banda on guitar, Mercy James on piano, and Estere showcasing voguing. "Disappointing my fans is not an option for me. I always aim to provoke, to stimulate, never to let them down."

Davy