Madonna 'on the road to recovery' following ICU stay, reschedules tour dates

Madonna had to postpone her Celebration Tour that was set to begin July 15 due to a bacterial infection. Photo: AP

Madonna said she will focus on her "health and getting stronger," and that she is on the road to recovery following a stay in intensive care.

The 64-year-old US superstar announced on Monday (July 10) that some of her tour dates will now be rescheduled as she recovers at home.

In an Instagram post, Madonna said: "Thank you for your positive energy, prayers and words of healing and encouragement. I have felt your love.

"I’m on the road to recovery and incredibly grateful for all the blessings in my life.

"My first thought when I woke up in the hospital was my children. My second thought was that I did not want to disappoint anyone who bought tickets for my tour.

"I also didn’t want to let down the people who worked tirelessly with me over the last few months to create my show. I hate to disappoint anyone.

"My focus now is my health and getting stronger and I assure you, I’ll be back with you as soon as I can.

"The current plan is to reschedule the North American leg of the tour and to begin in October in Europe. I couldn’t be more grateful for your care and support. Love, M."

She was due to begin Madonna: The Celebration Tour in Canada on July 15, before her manager Guy Oseary said last month that a "serious bacterial infection" led to the singer spending several days in intensive care in hospital.

A source told the PA news agency in June that Madonna was recuperating at home and "feeling better."

Her Celebration Tour was set to start in North America – including stops in Detroit, Chicago, New York, Miami and Los Angeles – before moving on to Europe.

Billed as a "one-of-a-kind experience," the tour is also set to feature special guest Bob the Drag Queen, real name Caldwell Tidicue, across all dates.

She was due to begin the British leg of her tour at London’s O2 Arena on October 14.

It will be her first tour since her Madame X shows, which ended in 2020, though some of these performances were called off due to knee and hip injuries. – dpa