Careese Henry, the former manager of Madonna, has died from what is being called at this stage a self-inflicted gunshot wound. She was 44.

In her time representing artists Henry also worked with Ricky Martin, Jessica Simpson, Joss Stone and Paula Abdul.

She died at her home in Irvine, California on Wednesday.

Henry leaves behind two daughters, Honour Kristen Norman and Ava Careese Hinojosa. The family has issued a statement asking for the media to respect their privacy at this time.

A funeral has been arranged for April 9th at 11am at St Paul's Church in Westwood, California.

Caresse Henry worked with Madonna for 10 years up until 2004. She was credited as Executive Producer of the Madonna Drowned World Tour of 2001.

When she left Madonna's employ stories abounded that she was fired due to a conflict in Madonna's choice of Kabbalah.