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Debbie Nelson, the mother of Grammy-winning rapper Eminem, has died at the age of 69 after battling advanced lung cancer.
TMZ reports that Nelson passed away on Monday night in St. Joseph, Missouri, where her son, whose real name is Marshall Bruce Mathers III, was born.
Eminem is yet to issue a statement on her passing.
Nelson and Eminem shared a turbulent relationship that became widely publicized throughout his career. In 1999, she sued him for defamation over lyrics in his debut album, The Slim Shady LP, which suggested she used drugs.
Eminem’s lawyer, Paul Rosenberg, defended the lyrics at the time, saying, “Truth is an absolute defence to a claim of defamation. It is merely the result of a lifelong strained relationship between him and his mother. Regardless, it is still painful to be sued by your mother, and therefore the lawsuit will only be dealt with through legal channels.”
The case was settled in 2001, with Nelson receiving $25,000, most of which went to her legal team.
In 2008, Nelson released her memoir, My Son Marshall, My Son Eminem, in which she expressed heartbreak over the accusations her son had made about her.
In response, Eminem reflected on their strained relationship in his 2013 track Headlights, offering an apology through his lyrics: “I went in headfirst, never thinking about who what I said hurt, my mom probably got it the worst.” He continued, “And I’m mad I didn’t get the chance to thank you for being my mom and my dad, so mom, please accept this as a tribute I wrote on this jet.”
Their relationship appeared to have improved in recent years. In 2022, Nelson sent a video message congratulating Eminem on his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. In the message, she said, “I love you very much. I knew you’d get there. It’s been a long ride. I’m very, very proud of you.”
Nelson, who previously survived breast cancer, is survived by her two sons, Eminem and his younger brother Nate, as well as six grandchildren. This includes Eminem’s daughter Hailie Jade, who recently announced her pregnancy.
Reports have it that Representatives for Eminem have declined to comment on the news.
(THE STANDARD)
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