Eminem’s Mother, Debbie Nelson, Dead at 69

Debbie Nelson (formerly Debbie Mathers Briggs), mother of rapper Eminem, has died following complications of lung cancer at the age of 69.

Numerous sources have reported that Nelson passed away from lung cancer last night, December 2, in St. Joseph, Missouri. Nelson first revealed her cancer diagnosis in September, and it was reported that Nelson was told she did not have long to live following the diagnosis.

Eminem’s Relationship With Mother Debbie Nelson Has Always Been Complicated
Rapper Eminem has experienced quite a bit of dysfunction with her mother. Earlier in her career, the “Lose Yourself” hitmaker publicly accused his mother of being both abusive to him as a child and neglectful, particularly in the songs “Cleanin’ Out My Closet” and “Without Me”.

Nelson eventually sued her son in the late 1990s, which only further stressed their delicate relationship. Nelson also wrote a memoir in 2007 titled My Son Marshall, My Song Eminem that didn’t paint a very pretty picture of the famed rapper and 8 Mile star.

There have been a few attempts at reconciliation, however. Eminem released the song “Headlights” in 2013, where the rapper expresses his regret over being so harsh toward his mother and even apologizes to her in the song.

Their on-again, off-again relationship seemed to improve in recent years. Nelson even publicly congratulated Eminem on getting inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.

“Marshall, I want to say, I could not let this day go by without congratulating you on your induction into the Hall of Fame,” Nelson said in a since-deleted video. “I love you very much. I knew you’d get there. It’s been a long ride. I’m very, very proud of you.”

Eminem’s estranged father, Marshall Bruce Mathers Jr., passed away in 2019 at the age of 67.

Neither Eminem nor any reps for the rapper or his mother have released a statement about her death. We wish Eminem and Nelson’s family nothing but the best during this difficult time.