Eminem’s Mother, Debbie Nelson, Passes Away at 69

Debbie Nelson, the mother of rap icon Eminem, has passed away at the age of 69. Known for being a central figure in her son’s lyrics, their complicated relationship became a recurring theme in his music.

A Relationship Told Through Lyrics

Eminem, whose real name is Marshall Mathers III, has never shied away from discussing his rocky relationship with his mother. Songs like the 2002 hit “Cleaning Out My Closet” openly criticized Nelson, referencing moments from his tumultuous upbringing. In one verse, he rapped, “Witnessin’ your mama poppin’ prescription pills in the kitchen. … My whole life I was made to believe I was sick when I wasn’t.”

Over time, his music seemed to soften in tone. In the Oscar-winning track “Lose Yourself”, from the film 8 Mile, he references his mother more lightheartedly with the now-famous line about “mom’s spaghetti.”

A Private Battle

Nelson’s death was confirmed by Eminem’s longtime representative, Dennis Dennehy, in an email on Tuesday. While the cause of death has not been disclosed, Nelson had previously battled lung cancer.

Despite their public clashes, Eminem often credited his mother for her role in his challenging upbringing, which helped shape him into the artist he is today.

Related: Eminem To Co-Produce A Documentary ‘Stan’

A Family Moving Forward

Eminem recently shared some heartwarming news: he’s about to become a grandfather. In October, the rapper announced that his daughter, Hailie Jade, is expecting her first child. The announcement came via a touching music video that celebrated their close bond.

While Debbie Nelson’s legacy remains intertwined with her son’s rise to fame, her passing marks the end of a chapter in the rapper’s life that has been both painful and formative. Fans around the world continue to reflect on the impact of their story, as told through Eminem’s music.