Eminem’s mother, Debbie Nelson, has sadly passed away at the age of 69.
On Monday evening, in St. Joseph, Missouri, Debbie lost her battle with advanced lung cancer, as reported by TMZ.
Back in September, it was revealed that Debbie was “terminally ill,” with sources sharing she was in the final stages of lung cancer.
A source had informed In Touch, “There are not many options for Debbie. She is staying between the cancer center and with her family. The time left is very limited.”
The relationship between Eminem and his mother has been complex, yet Eminem, born Marshall Bruce Mathers III, has been supporting her financially despite years of estrangement.
Rumors sparked about Eminem’s awareness of his mother’s condition, with an insider commenting, “Those around her aren’t sure if Eminem even knows what’s happening to his mother. He always ensures she is cared for, though they haven’t communicated in a long time. This could have been their chance to reconcile.”
Debbie became a mother to Eminem at the young age of 18 in October 1972. Her marriage to Eminem’s father, Marshall Bruce Mathers, whom she met in high school, ended shortly after Eminem’s birth.
The mother-son relationship was tumultuous. In 1999, Debbie took legal action against Eminem for defamation in his album “The Slim Shady LP,” where she was accused of drug use. The lawsuit resulted in a $25,000 award, far from the $11 million she sought, leaving her with under $2,000 after legal fees.
In her 2008 memoir, “My Son Marshall, My Son Eminem,” Debbie recounted their troubled relationship and her own past, including abuse from her stepfather. She reflected on the dreams and conversations she shared with Eminem’s father. “After he rescued me from my stepfather, we spoke about our hopes for the future,” she wrote.
Debbie shared her longing for a peaceful life with a loving family. Despite hardships, she disclosed her longing for reconciliation in a 2008 Village Voice interview, saying, “I’m not giving up on my children. It’s a matter of swallowing pride and moving on.”
In 2013, Eminem expressed regret through his song “Headlights,” where he apologized to his mom. Although she did not attend his 2022 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, she congratulated him in a heartfelt message, acknowledging his achievements.
Debbie’s closing words echoed love and pride for Eminem’s success, saying, “I love you very much. I knew you’d achieve this. It’s been a long journey. I’m incredibly proud of you.”
More details to come as the story continues to unfold.
