Debbie Nelson, the mother of rap icon Eminem, has died at 69 following a battle with advanced lung cancer.
TMZ reported that Eminem’s representative, Dennis Dennehy, confirmed she died on Sunday night, December 1, in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Debbie Nelson poses for a portrait outside her Detroit home in September 2005 | Source: Getty Images
One reader commented, “RIP. Lung cancer is terrible and all other cancers,” while another typed, “Way too young, RIP.”
A third added, “Poor Eminem hope he be ok
Debbie’s relationship with Eminem was often tumultuous and played out in public.
Early in his career, he accused her of neglect and abuse, as captured in songs like “Cleanin’ Out My Closet.”