Debbie Nelson, the mother of renowned rapper Eminem, has died at the age of 69. Representatives for Eminem confirmed the news to People and TMZ, stating that she passed away on December 2 due to complications related to lung cancer.
Born in 1955, Debbie came from what she described in her 2008 memoir My Son Marshall, My Son Eminem as a “large dysfunctional family.” She married at the age of 16, and two years later, in 1972, she gave birth to Marshall Mathers III, who would go on to become the global rap icon known as Eminem.
A Tumultuous Relationship
Debbie and Eminem’s relationship has been marked by public disputes, which became a prominent theme in the rapper’s music and public image over the past 25 years. In one of his early songs, Eminem controversially claimed that his mother “did more dope” than he did, a statement that led Debbie to sue him for defamation.
The lawsuit ended with Debbie being awarded $25,000 in damages, though the majority of the settlement went toward legal fees. Despite their rocky past, the two seemed to reconcile in recent years.
A Public Display of Support
In 2022, Debbie set aside their differences to publicly congratulate her son on his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. In a heartfelt video shared on social media, 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.”
Eminem, speaking at the 37th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, reflected on his career and the challenges he overcame:
“I realize what an honour it is right now for me to be up here tonight, and what a privilege it is to do the music that I love, and the music that basically saved my life. So, I’m probably not supposed to actually be here tonight because of a couple of reasons. One of them is that I’m a rapper, and this is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. And there’s only a few of us right now that have been inducted.”
News of Debbie’s Illness and Passing
Debbie’s health struggles were first reported by various outlets in September, with TMZ later confirming her passing in December. Her death marks the end of a complex and public relationship with her son, one that evolved over the years from conflict to apparent reconciliation.
While their bond was often fraught, Debbie Nelson remains an integral part of Eminem’s life story and the legacy he continues to build.