Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 30, 2025 · Entertainment

Madonna's Battle with Life-Threatening Sepsis: A Star's Fight for Survival

Madonna has confirmed that she suffered from a life-threatening disease that left her in intensive care for four days (Seen in February 2023)

MADONNA'S CLOSE CALL: THE QUEEN OF POP REVEALS HER LIFE-THREATENING DISEASE ORDEAL

In a shocking revelation, the one and only Madonna has opened up about her terrifying health scare in 2023. The iconic singer, now 67, was rushed to hospital with a bacterial infection that nearly claimed her life. But what exactly happened during those fateful four days in intensive care? We've got the exclusive scoop.

According to sources close to the situation, Madonna's world tour was paused mid-2023 when she came down with a bacterial infection. The Queen of Pop took to social media at the time to reassure fans that she was on the road to recovery and had been released from hospital. But little did they know, the ordeal was far more serious than initially thought.

Now two years on, in her first podcast appearance, Madonna has revealed came down with an infection which turned into sepsis and she spent four days in intensive care on a ventilator

In an exclusive interview with Jay Shetty's On Purpose podcast, Madonna revealed that her bacterial infection turned into sepsis – a life-threatening condition that can cause shock, organ failure, and even death if left untreated. The singer confessed that she spent four days in intensive care on a ventilator, fighting for her life.

"I was rehearsing for a tour, and I got a bacterial infection," Madonna recounted. "One minute I was alive and dancing around, and the next minute I was in the ICU, unconscious for four days." She revealed that doctors administered an injection of Narcan – commonly used to reverse suspected drug overdoses – to combat acute septic shock before rushing her to hospital.

The singer's harrowing experience has left her shaken, but she's determined to share her story to raise awareness about sepsis. "Everybody recovers at a different rate," Madonna emphasized. "And I've always seen myself as Superwoman. So I was like 'Oh, I'm going to kick this. I'm going to be good. I'm getting back into rehearsal'... but I had no strength, no energy, couldn't get out of bed, and I didn't know when it was gonna end."

The Queen of Pop, 67, was rushed to hospital with a bacterial infection in mid-2023 and her world tour was paused

Madonna's candid conversation about her health scare comes as a wake-up call for fans and non-fans alike. Sepsis is a silent killer that affects an estimated 55,000 Australians each year, with 5,000 to 9,000 fatalities – making it more than four times deadlier than the road toll.

THE SIX MAJOR SIGNS OF SEPSIS: DON'T BE A VICTIM

The symptoms of sepsis can be easily mistaken for a mild condition like gastro or flu. But don't be fooled – these six major signs could save your life:

Speaking on Jay Shetty's On Purpose podcast, Madonna said: 'I was rehearsing for a tour, and I got a bacterial infection

  1. Slurred speech or confusion, lethargy, disorientation: Don't ignore the warning signs; seek medical help immediately.
  2. Extreme shivering or muscle pain, fever or low temperature: These symptoms can indicate a life-threatening infection.
  3. Pressing a rash doesn't make it fade: A mysterious rash that persists could be a sign of sepsis.
  4. Severe breathlessness, rapid breathing: If you're experiencing difficulty breathing or rapid breathing, don't hesitate to seek help.
  5. Inability to pass urine for several hours: This symptom can indicate organ failure.
  6. Skin that's mottled or discoloured: Changes in skin color could signal a severe infection.

Madonna's harrowing experience is a stark reminder of the importance of sepsis awareness. The singer's message is clear: don't take your health for granted, and seek medical help immediately if you're experiencing any of these symptoms.

But that's not all – Madonna also opened up about her private struggles during her 2016 Australian tour. The pop icon revealed that dealing with a bitter custody dispute over son Rocco with ex-husband Guy Ritchie took a devastating toll on her mental health. "There were moments in my life where I wanted to cut my arms off," she candidly admitted. "I actually contemplated suicide... and that probably sounds really weird coming from me because I'm not emo."

'One minute I was alive and dancing around, and the next minute I was in the ICU, unconscious for four days,' she said

The singer's bravery in sharing her story is a testament to her strength and resilience. As we continue to follow Madonna's journey, one thing's for sure – the Queen of Pop will never let anything get in the way of her music, message, or magnificent career.

Sources:

  • Radar Online
  • Jay Shetty's On Purpose podcast

In an Instagram post in 2023, Madonna wrote: 'Thank you for your positive energy. Prayers and words of healing and encouragement. I have felt your love'

Sepsis is a leading cause of avoidable death killing about 10,000 Australians each year