Debbie Nelson, the mother of rapper Eminem, has passed away at the age of 69.
Known for her strained relationship with her son, Nelson’s life and their turbulent bond were chronicled in much of Eminem’s early music.
Dennis Dennehy, a representative for the rapper, confirmed Nelson’s death to US media. While the cause of death has not been confirmed, Nelson was known to have battled lung cancer. Eminem has not yet commented publicly on her passing.
The difficulties between Eminem and his mother were most famously highlighted in his 2002 hit Cleanin’ Out My Closet, where he accuses her of neglect and drug abuse.
“Witnessin’ your mama poppin’ prescription pills in the kitchen. keep telling yourself that you was a mom.” he rapped
In 1999, Nelson sued her son for defamation over lyrics in My Name Is. She later revealed the lawsuit was her lawyer’s idea, and the case was settled out of court for $25,000 (£19,000).
Despite their differences, Eminem drew parallels between his own struggles with prescription drugs and his mother’s, saying in his 2009 song My Mom: “That’s why I’m on what I’m on ‘cause I’m my mom.”
In 2008, Nelson released a memoir, My Son Marshall, My Son Eminem, where she described feeling “heartbroken” by her son’s portrayal of her.
Over time, their relationship seemed to improve slightly. In his 2013 track Headlights, Eminem expressed regret over some of his earlier lyrics.
“I’m sorry, Mama, for Cleanin’ Out My Closet,” he rapped. “At the time I was angry. Rightfully? Maybe so. Never meant to take it that far, though.”
While they remained largely estranged, Nelson publicly congratulated her son in 2022 when he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
“Marshall, I want to say, I could not let this day go by without congratulating you,” she said in a video that was later deleted. “I love you very much. I knew you’d get there. It’s been a long ride. I’m very, very proud of you.”
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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