Madonna has said that "it's great to be alive" on her milestone birthday, as she turns 65.
The US hitmaker – who recently spent time in a New York hospital's intensive care unit after she suffered a serious bacterial infection – was seen blowing out a candle on a cake in a restaurant, in a video posted to TikTok on Wednesday, 16 August.
Wearing a black and white dress, accessorised with dark sunglasses with sparkly, silver frames, huge green earrings and black gloves, the singer was asked to make a wish.
"Here's my wish. I'm gonna wake up, yes and no?" she seemed to tease, before adding, "I'm just kidding!"
Then she added: "It's great to be alive!" before blowing out the candle to rapturous applause.
Earlier this week, Madonna had said that experiencing her own hospitalisation had made her “even more determined to help others”.
The Material Girl singer urged her fans to donate to a charity which helps orphaned children in the African country Malawi.
In a video posted to Raising Malawi, which was co-founded by Madonna, she said: “Having experienced my own recent hospitalisation, I’m even more determined to help others.
“With over 50% of Malawi’s population being under 18, the need for assistance is huge.
“My birthday is coming up and the best present I can ask for is for you to support raising Malawi’s work in child healthcare.
“Our current goal is to continue building a new wing for the Mersey James Centre. While we have raised 200,000 dollars, we still have a remaining 85,000 dollars to meet our target.
“I would be deeply grateful for your support in helping us make this dream come true.
“Your generous contributions will enable us to continue providing essential medical care for so many children. Thank you once again for your positivity, love and support.”
Madonna has four adopted children from Malawi – David, Mercy and twins Estere and Stella, along with two biological children, Lourdes and Rocco.
Following a stay in intensive care earlier this year, her North American dates for The Celebration Tour were postponed.
Madonna’s manager Guy Oseary said in June she had developed a “serious bacterial infection” which led to a several-day stay in hospital.
In July, the Queen of Pop posted on Instagram she was focusing on “getting stronger” and earlier this week Live Nation announced rescheduled dates for her North American shows.
Across her four-decade career, she has had hits with Like A Virgin, Papa Don’t Preach, Material Girl, Like A Prayer and Vogue along with raising awareness for the LGBTQ+ community and HIV/Aids.
Source: Read Full Article