Rapper Eminem’s mother, Debbie Nelson, has died at the age of 69. Her longtime representative, Dennis Dennehy, confirmed her passing in an email without providing a cause of death. Nelson had previously battled lung cancer.
The complex relationship between Nelson and her son, Marshall Mathers III (Eminem), was well-documented through his music. Songs like “Cleaning Out My Closet” and lyrics from the Oscar-winning hit “Lose Yourself” showcased their tumultuous bond. Eminem’s mother brought two defamation lawsuits against him in response to his comments about her.
In her 2008 book, Nelson attempted to provide a more accurate portrayal of Eminem’s early life in an effort to set the record straight. Despite their rocky past, Eminem has since won numerous awards for his music and recently became a grandfather. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022 and took home best hip-hop act at the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards before Nelson’s passing.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/dec/03/debbie-nelson-dead-eminem