Madonna looks back on her recovery one year after her life-threatening illness

Madonna is grateful one year after being hospitalized for a “life-threatening illness.”

The 65-year-old singer celebrated the Fourth of July in style, wearing a red strapless dress that was completely different from the year before.

“One year ago today I had just gotten out of the hospital after a life-threatening illness and could barely stand in my garden with a sparkler in my hand,” she wrote on Instagram on Friday, July 5. “I made a miraculous recovery and had an amazing year. Thank you God. Life is beautiful!”

In the glamorous photos, Madonna also appeared to flirt with a new lover. The “Material Girl” singer was seen in three different pictures walking arm-in-arm with the mystery man, watching fireworks and cuddling on a sofa, with the same man visible in her grid. Additionally, Madonna was accompanied by several friends at the event.

Madonna was hospitalized on June 24, 2023, after developing a “severe bacterial infection,” her longtime manager said. Guy Osearyshe said in a statement at the time. She spent several days in intensive care and canceled “all commitments,” including her Madonna: The Celebration Tour which was to begin the following month. (The Celebration Tour officially began on October 14, 2023 in London and ended on May 4.)

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At that time, an insider told exclusively We weekly that Madonna relied on her closest circle, including her six children: Lourdes, 27, Rocco, 23, David, 18, Mercy, 18, and twins Stella and Estere, 11.

“She has an incredible support system around her and appreciates all the love she receives,” the insider said. “It’s still a work in progress, but she feels more confident and better every day.”

While fans wondered what would happen next with her tour, the insider noted that Madonna would take a slow and steady approach to her recovery.

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“Although Madonna is looking forward to returning to work as soon as possible, she is taking her recovery seriously and will not rush into anything as her main focus is on her health,” the insider explained.

Madonna released her own statement on July 10, 2023, thanking her fans for their “positive energy, prayers and words of healing and encouragement.”

“I felt your love,” she wrote on Instagram at the time. “I am on the road to recovery and incredibly grateful for all the blessings in my life.”