Madonna Reveals Why She Sleeps with a Plush Octopus – a Gift from the Nurse Who Saved Her

Madonna has shared a personal story about why she sleeps every night with a plush octopus named Octavia. In an interview with Vogue Italia, filmed at her London home, the 67-year-old singer revealed that the toy is special – it reminds her of nurse Olivia, who cared for Madonna during a life-threatening health crisis.

A few years ago, Madonna suffered a severe bacterial infection and sepsis that led to a critical condition. She spent two days in a medically induced coma in the intensive care unit, where she was placed on a ventilator due to lung and kidney failure. The serious illness forced her to postpone a concert tour, but after a full recovery, Madonna returned to the stage.

In a video, Madonna said that nurse Olivia encouraged her daily to wake up, giving her courage and hope. When she was discharged from the hospital and returned home, Olivia gave her this octopus. “When I look at him, I immediately remember the nurse who took care of me,” Madonna said. The octopus's name Octavia was inspired by Olivia.

In 2024, Madonna returned to the stage with a performance of her “Celebration Tour” in Los Angeles, where she reflected on her experience and admitted she had come very close to death. The toy remains a part of her daily life, reminding her of the second chance she was given.