Debbie Nelson, the mother of Eminem and his half-brother Nate Mathers, passed away on December 2, 2024, at 69 due to complications from advanced lung cancer. While Eminem has yet to publicly comment on her death, Nate expressed his feelings on the same day. In a terse message shared on Instagram Stories on Tuesday, December 3, Nate Mathers wrote, “Hatred and mixed emotions today.”
Nelson's relationship with her sons has been contentious, often highlighted in Eminem's music. Born in St. Joseph, Missouri, Nelson became a central figure in Eminem's songs, where he frequently detailed the challenges of his upbringing.
Nate Mathers, born when Eminem was 13, also experienced a tumultuous childhood under Nelson's care. Eminem, whose real name is Marshall Bruce Mathers III, became Nate's legal guardian when his half-brother turned 16, a role he took seriously after witnessing Nate's struggles in foster care.
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Eminem and Nate Mathers' troubled relationship with mother, Debbie Nelson
Eminem's relationship with his mother has been well-documented through his lyrics. In tracks such as Cleanin' Out My Closet (2002), he accused Debbie Nelson of prescription drug abuse and neglect. The lyrics read,
"Nathan's growin' up so quick, he's gonna know that you're phony."
Another notable track, My Name Is, from The Slim Shady LP (1999), includes the lines,
"99 percent of my life, I was lied to / I just found out my mom does more dope than I do."
Their strained relationship extended beyond music. In 1999, according to Billboard, Nelson filed a defamation lawsuit against Eminem, seeking $11 million in damages. The court ruled in her favor but awarded her only $25,000 in 2001. Despite these public clashes, Nelson later shared her perspective in a 2008 memoir, My Son Marshall, My Son Eminem, offering insight into their troubled relationship from her viewpoint.
Despite years of conflict, there were signs of reconciliation. In 2013, Eminem released Headlights, a track from The Marshall Mathers LP 2, where he expressed regret for his harsh words and extended an olive branch. He rapped,
"I went in headfirst, never thinkin’ about who, what I said hurt… But regardless, I don’t hate you, ‘cause ma, you’re still beautiful to me."
Nelson reciprocated this gesture in 2022 when Eminem was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In a video message, she congratulated him, saying,
"Marshall, I want to say, I could not let this day go by without congratulating you on your induction into the Hall of Fame. I love you very much... I’m very, very proud of you."
Nate Mathers' upbringing mirrored the difficulties faced by his older half-brother. When Nelson struggled with addiction, Nate was placed into foster care at eight years old. Eminem, witnessing his brother’s struggles, made repeated attempts to gain custody. His efforts bore fruit when Nate turned 16, and Eminem became his legal guardian.
The rapper has spoken about this experience in interviews, recalling his visits to the foster home and his determination to provide a better life for Nate.
In a podcast conversation with Eminem's daughter, Hailie Jade, Nate Mathers described his brother as "the best role model" and credited the rapper with inspiring his approach to fatherhood.
Eminem has not yet issued a statement about his mother’s passing.
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