Debbie Nelson, the mother of iconic rapper Eminem, has passed away at the age of 69 following a lengthy battle with lung cancer.
The news was confirmed by a representative for Eminem on Tuesday, stating that Nelson died Monday night in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Eminem, whose real name is Marshall Mathers, has not yet issued a public statement regarding his mother's passing.
Nelson gained widespread recognition as a pivotal figure in Eminem's music, where the rapper often detailed their tumultuous relationship. Tracks like “My Name Is,” “Cleanin’ Out My Closet,” and “Headlights” showcased their rocky history, which resonated with fans worldwide.
In her 2008 memoir, “My Son Marshall, My Son Eminem,” Nelson offered her perspective, claiming much of the tension arose from misunderstandings. She wrote, “In my heart, I know Marshall still loves me. He’s just confused.”
Their public conflict even led to a high-profile lawsuit in 1999 when Nelson sued Eminem for $10 million, accusing him of defamation and emotional distress. The case was eventually settled out of court, with Eminem referencing the ordeal in his hit song “Without Me.”
In recent years, hints of reconciliation surfaced, particularly in the 2014 track “Headlights,” where Eminem expressed regret for past criticisms of his mother.
Debbie Nelson was born in 1955 on a U.S. Air Force base in Kansas. At just 15, she married Bruce Mathers in 1970, and two years later, she gave birth to Eminem in St. Joseph, Missouri. The marriage ended in 1974 amid allegations of physical abuse. After spending decades in Metro Detroit, Nelson returned to St. Joseph, where she spent her final years.
Her passing marks the end of a life that deeply influenced one of the world’s most renowned artists.
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