Nick Cannon Says Ex-Wife Mariah Carey Is 'Doing the Best She Can' After Losing Mother and Sister

In August, Carey's mother, Patricia, and older sister, Alison, died on the same day.

September 18, 2024

Nick Cannon at the FOX Fall Press Day Red Carpet held at the FOX Lot on September 5, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. — Jesse Grant/Variety via Getty Images

Actor, comedian, and host Nick Cannon has given an update on his ex-wife, music icon Mariah Carey, after the unexpected loss of her mother, Patricia, 87, and older sister, Alison, 63, in August.

During an interview with Page Six, Cannon, who was married to Carey from 2008 to 2016 and shares 13-year-old twins with the singer, told the outlet that the singer is "doing the best that she possibly can" after losing her mother and sister. While their deaths were publicized on Aug. 27, Patricia and Alison Carey died on the same day the previous week.

"She’s doing the best that she possibly can, considering the circumstances," Cannon said about Carey. "But as a family, we just got to be there to support one another, show love."

Recently, Carey traveled to China with her children, Morocco and Monroe, possibly giving herself a break after the devastating news about her family members.

"She’s really having a great time with the kids," Cannon continued. "That is, you know, the most important thing in the world to her, so it’s outstanding to see them supporting their mom the way they do."

Carey, who wrote about the complicated relationship with her siblings and parents in her 2020 memoir, The Meaning of Mariah, issued a statement to People after the passing of her mother and sister.

"My heart is broken that I’ve lost my mother this past weekend. Sadly, in a tragic turn of events, my sister lost her life on the same day," she told the publication.

"I feel blessed that I was able to spend the last week with my mom before she passed," she continued. "I appreciate everyone’s love and support and respect for my privacy during this impossible time."