Debbie Nelson, the mother of legendary rapper Eminem, has passed away at the age of 69 after battling advanced lung cancer.
According to TMZ, Eminem’s representative, Dennis Dennehy, confirmed that Debbie died on the evening of Sunday, December 1, in St. Joseph, Missouri.
News of her terminal illness was first shared in September, with reports indicating she had only a short time left.
Fans and readers expressed their condolences online, with many acknowledging the devastating impact of lung cancer. One commenter wrote, “RIP. Lung cancer is terrible and all other cancers,” while another said, “Way too young, RIP.” A third added, “Poor Eminem, hope he’ll be okay.”
Debbie’s relationship with her son was complicated and often played out publicly. Early in Eminem’s career, he accused her of neglect and abuse, a theme that surfaced in tracks like “Cleanin’ Out My Closet.”
In response, Debbie filed a defamation lawsuit against him in 1999 and later told her side of the story in her 2007 memoir, “My Son Marshall, My Son Eminem.”
However, in recent years, the two made efforts to mend their relationship. Eminem expressed regret over their estrangement in his 2013 song “Headlights,” where he apologized for his past harsh words toward her.
In her later years, Debbie publicly supported her son, even congratulating him on his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.
Debbie Nelson leaves behind a legacy shaped by both struggles and reconciliation, highlighting her significant role in Eminem’s journey and life story.