Madonna is thought to have protested being rushed to hospital after suffering a serious bacterial infection due to fears for her world tour.
The 64-year-old spent a number of days in intensive care after being found unresponsive on Saturday.
She was reportedly hooked up to a ventilator and intubated, with a breathing tube passed down her throat and into her lungs.
It's been reported that she was "battling a low-grade fever for a month" before her sudden hospitalisation.
Madonna is thought to have "mostly ignored her symptoms" and decided against seeing a doctor because she was "laser focused" on her upcoming world tour and didn't want to disappoint fans by cancelling.
She was due to start her Celebration Tour next month, but has been forced to postpone following her hospital dash.
A source has said Madonna was "metaphorically kicking and screaming" after being taken to the hospital and was "protesting the decision to send her there".
They told TMZ that the singer was afraid to seek medical care in case it "jeopardised" her tour.
Madonna is now "improving" after being released from the hospital, however she remains under medical care and is making sure to "follow doctors' orders".
The star travelled by private ambulance to her residence in New York City after being discharged.
Madonna's worrying health news was shared by her manager Guy Oseary on Instagram.
"On Saturday, June 24, Madonna developed a serious bacterial infection which lead to a several-day stay in the ICU," he wrote in a statement.
"Her health is improving, however she is still under medical care. A full recovery is expected. At this time we will need to pause all commitments, which includes the tour."
Madonna's daughter Lourdes Leon remained by her side throughout the terrifying ordeal.
Following the news about her stay in the ICU, celebrities including Michelle Visage, Rita Wilson and Rosanna Arquette wrote messages wishing her a speedy recovery.
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