Debbie Nelson, mother of rapper Eminem, dies aged 69

Debbie Nelson, the mother of rapper Eminem, passed away at the age of 69. Her tumultuous relationship with her son was well-documented in the lyrics of his popular songs.

Dennis Dennehy, Eminem's longtime publicist, confirmed Nelson's passing in an email sent on Tuesday. While he didn't specify the cause of death, it is known that Nelson had been fighting lung cancer.

Nelson's complicated relationship with her son, Marshall Mathers III, has been widely known ever since the Detroit rapper rose to fame.

Eminem has criticized his mother in tracks like the 2002 hit "Cleaning Out My Closet." In the song, he expresses his feelings about seeing his mother taking prescription medication in their kitchen and complaining about someone rifling through her belongings. He also reflects on his difficult upbringing, mentioning struggles with public housing and feeling like he was made to think he was ill, even when he wasn't.

In the lines from his Oscar-winning song "Lose Yourself," featured in the film 8 Mile, he expressed a mix of emotions, including a notable mention of "mom's spaghetti." This track ultimately earned the award for Best Rap Song at the 2004 Grammy Awards.

Nelson filed two defamation lawsuits due to Eminem's comments about her made in magazines and on radio shows. In her 2008 book, *My Son Marshall, My Son Eminem*, she sought to clarify things by sharing insights into the rapper's childhood.

The celebrated rapper recently took home the award for best hip-hop artist at the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.

Last month, he shared the exciting news that he is going to become a grandfather. He revealed this heartfelt announcement through a moving music video, letting everyone know that his daughter, Hailie Jade, is expecting a baby.