Debbie Nelson, mother of iconic rapper Eminem, has died at the age of 69. The news was confirmed by Eminem’s representative Dennis Dennehy, although no cause of death has been disclosed at this time.
Born in 1954, Nelson was a central figure in Eminem’s life and career, though their relationship was fraught with conflict. She gave birth to Eminem (real name Marshall Mathers) on October 17th, 1972 when she was just 18 years old.
Eminem – ‘Cleanin’ Out My Closet’
Nelson married Eminem’s father Bruce Mathers when she was just 15, but Bruce left the family shortly after Eminem was born. Nelson raised her son and his half-brother, Nathan, largely on her own, frequently relocating before settling in Detroit.
Throughout Eminem’s rise to fame, Nelson was a recurring subject in his music, often depicted in a contentious light. In songs like ‘My Name Is’ and “Cleanin’ Out My Closet,” Eminem criticised Nelson for alleged behaviors including drug use and emotional neglect—allegations she denied. These portrayals led Nelson to file a US $10 million defamation lawsuit against her son in 1999, which resulted in a modest $25,000 settlement, most of which went towards legal fees.
In the early 2000s, Nelson released a diss track of her own entitled ‘Dear Marshall’, reflecting on their strained relationship. Later, in 2008, she published a memoir, My Son Marshall, My Son Eminem, in which she recounted her version of events, expressed heartbreak over his portrayal of her, and highlighted the sacrifices she made for him as a single mother.
In more recent years, there were signs of reconciliation between the two. In Eminem’s 2013 track ‘Headlights’, he apologized for their past grievances and expressed regret for his harsh depictions of his mum, and vowed to stop performing ‘Cleanin’ Out My Closet’. In 2022, Nelson celebrated her son’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, publicly congratulating him on social media and expressing pride in his achievements.
Debbie Nelson’s passing marks the end of a complex and highly publicised chapter in Eminem’s personal life.
At the time of writing, the rapper has yet to comment publicly on her passing.
Further Reading
Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Boss Says Eminem’s Music Hits As Hard As “Any Metal Song”
Watch Eminem Join Ed Sheeran On Stage in Detroit for ‘Lose Yourself’ and ‘Stan’
