A collage photo of Eminem and his late mum Debbie Nelson
By Tony Folarin Obajemu
Debbie Nelson, the mother of veteran US rapper Marshall Bruce Mathers III popularly known as Eminem, has died after a battle with advanced lung cancer.
According to sources, Nelson passed away on Monday night in St. Joseph, Missouri. She was diagnosed with the illness in September and was told she had a short time to live.
Nelson was 69 at the time of her demise.
Eminem had a troubled relationship with his mother and accused her of neglect and abuse during the early days of his career.
The controversial rapper often made his beef with Nelson public, penning his emotions in songs like ‘Cleaning Out My Closet’.
In 1999, Eminem was sued by his mother, leading to their fragile bond becoming more strained. She further wrote a tell-all memoir in 2007 which she titled, ‘My Son Marshall, My Son Eminem’.
Despite the above, Eminem and his mum tried to reconcile several times, the former’s 2013 track ‘Headlights’ marking a turning point; the rapper expressed regret over his harsh words and apologized for their strained relationship.
Over the years, the relationship improved and Nelson sent a congratulatory message to her son on his Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2022.
