Eminem’s Mother, Debbie Nelson, Dies at 69

WASHINGTON - Debbie Nelson, the mother of Grammy-winning rapper Eminem, passed away Monday evening at 69 due to complications related to lung cancer. Nelson died in St. Joseph, Missouri, according to multiple outlets.

Nelson and her son had a famously turbulent relationship. In 1999, she sued Eminem for defamation over lyrics in his debut album, requesting $11 million in damages. A judge awarded her $25,000, far less than her original demand. Despite their differences, Eminem later appeared to reconcile with his mother in his 2014 song “Headlights,” which fans interpreted as an apology.

Throughout his career, Eminem has referenced their rocky relationship in tracks such as “My Name Is” and “Cleaning Out My Closet.” In “Headlights,” he wrote, “I’m mad I didn’t get the chance to thank you for being my mom and my dad.”

Nelson celebrated her son’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022, sharing a heartfelt message on social media. “I love you very much. I knew you’d get there. It’s been a long ride. I’m very, very proud of you,” she said in a video.

In 2007, Nelson published a memoir, My Son Marshall, My Son Eminem, recounting her life and her complex relationship with her son.