Debbie Nelson, the mother of rapper Eminem, has passed away at age 69 following a battle with advanced lung cancer, as reported by TMZ. She died Monday evening in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Nelson and Eminem, born Marshall Mathers, shared a turbulent relationship that was highly publicized throughout his career. The rapper often referenced their strained bond in his music, including the controversial track “My Name Is” from his 1999 album The Slim Shady LP. At one point, Nelson sued Eminem for defamation, though the lawsuit resulted in a modest settlement. Despite their challenges, the two had reportedly worked to reconcile in recent years.

In 2022, Nelson publicly congratulated her son via video when he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, marking a rare moment of connection. Eminem had also written the song “Headlights” in 2013 as an apology to his mother, acknowledging the pain caused by his earlier lyrics and expressing gratitude for her role in his life.
Nelson gave birth to Eminem when she was just 18, raising him largely on her own after his father left. In recent months, it was reported that Eminem had been providing financial support for his mother, though the extent of their direct contact remained unclear.
This marks the end of a complicated yet deeply human story of family, reconciliation, and the lasting impact of fame and personal struggles.