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Eminem’s Mother, Debbie Nelson, Passes Away at 69 After Battling Lung Cancer
We want to send our deepest condolences to Eminem and his family during this difficult time.
Debbie Nelson, the mother of iconic rapper Eminem, has passed away at the age of 69. According to reports from TMZ, she succumbed to lung cancer on Monday, December 2, in St. Joseph, Missouri.
News of Nelson’s illness first surfaced in September, revealing she was in critical condition. A source shared with In Touch at the time,
“There are not many options [for Debbie]. She is currently staying between the cancer center and with family members. She has a very limited amount of time left.”
Despite their complicated history, Eminem reportedly supported his mother financially, though the two had not spoken in years. The insider added, “He’s good to his mom and takes care of her,” but noted that the rapper might not have fully known the extent of her declining health.
Eminem, born Marshall Bruce Mathers III, had a famously turbulent relationship with his mother, which he chronicled in songs like “Cleaning Out My Closet” and “My Mom.” Nelson gave birth to him at just 18 years old with her high school sweetheart, Marshall Bruce Mathers Jr. Their troubled family dynamics became a recurring theme in Eminem’s music, offering fans a raw glimpse into his upbringing.
In 2007, Nelson released a memoir titled My Son Marshall, My Son Eminem, sharing her perspective on life as the mother of one of rap’s biggest stars.
Their most recent public connection came in 2022, when Nelson shared a heartfelt video congratulating Eminem on his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. In the clip, she said,
“Marshall, I want to say, I could not let this day go by without congratulating you on your induction into the Hall of Fame. I love you very much. I knew you’d get there. It’s been a long ride. I’m very, very proud of you.”
MusicXclusives sends heartfelt condolences to Debbie Nelson’s family, Eminem, and all those mourning her loss.
