Debbie Nelson, the mother of famous rapper Eminem, has passed away at the age of 69.
The sad news was shared with US media by Eminem’s representative, Dennis Dennehy. While the cause of death was not officially announced, it is known that Nelson had been fighting lung cancer.
Eminem has not yet spoken publicly about his mother’s passing.
Nelson and Eminem shared a rocky relationship, which the rapper often expressed in his early music. One of the most famous examples is his 2002 song “Cleanin’ Out My Closet.” In the song, Eminem accused his mother of taking prescription drugs and being an absent parent.
Their conflict also became public in 1999 when Nelson sued Eminem for defamation over lyrics in his song “My Name Is.” She later said the lawsuit was her lawyer’s idea and settled the case for $25,000.
Eminem has also mentioned his mother in other songs, connecting her struggles with addiction to his own. In his 2009 track “My Mom,” he admitted how her actions influenced his life.
In 2008, Nelson wrote a book titled “My Son Marshall, My Son Eminem,” where she shared her feelings of sadness and heartbreak over how her son portrayed her, saying she was so proud of him, but it hurt to see how he saw her, as she wanted him to know she loved him.
Debbie Nelson’s passing closes a complicated chapter in Eminem’s life. Her influence, both positive and challenging, shaped many of his songs and life experiences.
