Debbie Nelson, the mother of iconic rapper Eminem, has passed away at the age of 69. A representative for the rapper confirmed that Nelson died on Monday, December 2, in St. Joseph, Missouri, due to complications from lung cancer. TMZ was the first to report the news.
Nelson’s battle with cancer became public in September, when reports surfaced that her condition was critical. At the time, sources revealed she was dividing her time between treatment at a cancer center and staying with family members. Despite a long-standing estrangement, insiders said Eminem was providing financial support for his mother. “He’s good to his mom and takes care of her,” a source shared.
A Complicated Relationship Between Debbie Nelson and Eminem
Born in 1955 on a Kansas military base, Nelson endured a tumultuous upbringing, which she later described in her 2008 memoir, My Son Marshall, My Son Eminem. After her parents’ divorce, Nelson took on responsibilities as the eldest of five siblings. She married Marshall Bruce Mathers Jr. at 16 and gave birth to Eminem two years later.
Throughout Eminem’s career, his strained relationship with his mother often played out publicly. Songs like “Cleanin’ Out My Closet” highlighted their rocky past, and Nelson once sued Eminem for defamation over the lyrics, seeking $11 million. Although a judge ruled in her favor, she received only $25,000, which was further reduced after legal fees.
In 2013, Eminem appeared to extend an olive branch with the song “Headlights.” In it, he expressed regret for not thanking his mother for her sacrifices. “Mom, please accept this as a tribute,” he rapped, signaling a possible shift in their relationship.
A Mother’s Pride
Despite the ups and downs, Nelson publicly supported her son’s success. In a 2022 video, she congratulated him on his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, saying, “I love you very much. I knew you’d get there. I’m very, very proud of you.”
Nelson is survived by Eminem and her youngest son, Nathan Mathers. Eminem’s father, Marshall Bruce Mathers Jr., passed away in 2019.