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Debbie Nelson, the mother of acclaimed rapper Eminem, passed away on December 2, 2024, at the age of 69 after a long battle with advanced lung cancer. Her death was confirmed by a representative for Eminem and reported by various outlets, including TMZ. Nelson had been publicly battling the illness since September, with sources revealing that she had limited time left. She died in St. Joseph, Missouri, where she had been residing while receiving treatment.
Born in 1955 on a military base in Kansas, Nelson grew up in a challenging family environment. As the eldest of five children, she experienced her parents' separation before age 10, which forced her to assume significant family responsibilities early in life. At 16, she married Marshall Bruce Mathers Jr., giving birth to Marshall Mathers III—who would later become the global rap icon Eminem—when she was just 18.
Debbie's relationship with her son, whose real name is Marshall Bruce Mathers III, was fraught with tension and public disputes. From a young age, Eminem often used his family experiences as material in his music. One of his most famous songs, "Cleanin' Out My Closet," released in 2002, openly criticized his mother, accusing her of substance abuse and emotional neglect.
These allegations led to a defamation lawsuit, which Nelson filed against her son, seeking $11 million in damages. Although the court ruled in her favor, she only received a fraction of the amount, reportedly walking away with just $1,600 after legal fees.
Despite their troubled history, Nelson expressed hope for reconciliation in later years. In a 2008 interview, she stated, "There’s hope for everybody," referring to the possibility of mending their relationship.However, their estrangement continued, with Eminem acknowledging thepain in his 2013 song "Headlights." In this song, he apologized, singing, "My mom probably got it the worst." Though the song's lyrics signaled remorse, it remains unclear if mother and son fully reconciled before her death.
While the mother-son relationship remained complicated, Eminem’s success did not go unnoticed by Nelson. In 2022, she publicly congratulated him on his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, sharing an emotional message: "I love you very much. I knew you'd get there." This gesture showed that, despite their amicable differences, she still continued to offer support to her son’s achievements even from a distance.
As Eminem navigated the complexities of his personal life, including his estranged relationship with his mother, he also contributed financially to her well-being in recent years. Reports from sources close to the family confirmed that he provided support during her final months, though details remain scarce.
