Eminem’s Mom Debbie Nelson Dead At 69

Eminem‘s mother Debbie Nelson has passed away at age 69. According to the news first reported by TMZ, her cause of death was lung cancer and she died on Monday (Dec. 2) in St. Joseph, Missouri.

The news of Nelson’s illness was first revealed in September, when outlets reported the rapper’s mother was in critical condition. “There are not many options [for Debbie],” a source told In Touch at the time. “She is currently staying between the cancer center and with family members. She has a very limited amount of time left.”

The insider told the outlet that Em was supporting his mom financially despite not speaking to her for “years.” Notably, the source also added that Eminem is “good to his mom” and takes care of her, and might not have been fully aware of the severity of her condition.

The Detroit emcee’s complicated relationship with his mother was chronicled via many songs throughout his career. She gave birth to Em, Marshall Bruce Mathers III, when she was 18 years old and had him with her high school sweetheart, Marshall Bruce Mathers. The Curtain Call rapper has revealed the things he and his family have been through in songs like “Cleaning Out My Closet,” “My Mom,” and more.

In 2007, Nelson wrote an autobiography about her life as the famous rapper’s mother titled My Son Marshall, My Son Eminem.

One of the most recent public interactions was back in 2022 when Nelson congratulated her son for his induction into the Hall Of Fame. In an Instagram clip, she says, “Marshall, I want to say, I could not let this day go by without congratulating you on your induction into the Hall of Fame.”

She added that she has a lot of love for her son and said she always knew his journey would lead him to great success, saying, “I love you very much. I knew you’d get there. It’s been a long ride. I’m very, very proud of you.”

VIBE sends condolences to Debbie Nelson and Eminem’s family and those affected by this loss.