Music

Eminem's Brother Feels 'Mixed Emotions' After Their Mom’s Death

Nelson died from complications with lung cancer on Dec. 2.

Eminem's mother Debbie Mathers during a portrait session outside her house in September, 2005 in Detroit, Michigan.
Mark Weiss/Getty Images

Nathan Mathers, the younger half-brother of Eminem, has complicated feelings after the death of their mother Debbie Nelson.

Nelson died on Monday at 69 years old in St. Joseph, Minnesota, after battling lung cancer.

Mathers posted an Instagram Story on Tuesday, writing only, "Hatred and mixed emotions today" in white text on a black background.

Eminem, meanwhile, hasn't spoken publicly about his mother's death.

Musically, Eminem chronicled his troubled upbringing and thorny relationship with his mother from the beginning of his career on songs like "Cleanin' Out My Closet" and "My Mom."

Em would later apologize on his 2013 single "Headlights" with a accompanying music video depicting their reconciliation. His absent father, Marshall Bruce Mathers Jr., after whom the 15-time Grammy winner is named, died in June 2019 at 67 years old.

After being referenced in her son's music, Nelson sued Eminem for defamation in 1999. According to ABC News, in 2001, a judge ruled in Nelson's favor for $25,000. She profited $1,600, as $23,354.25 went to her attorney.

In 2022, Nelson celebrated her son's induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with a special video message. She also congratulated her granddaughter, Em's daughter Hailie Jade, on the launch of her podcast A Little Shady.

"I wanna say, Marshall, I could not let this day go by without congratulating you on your induction into the Hall of Fame," Nelson said at the time. "I love you very much. I knew you’d get there. It’s been a long ride and I’m very, very proud of you."

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