Eminem’s younger half-brother, Nathan “Nate” Kane Mathers, has spoken out after their mother, Debbie Nelson, passed away at 69. She died after a long battle with lung cancer. Nate shared his mixed emotions on Instagram, saying, “Hatred and mixed emotions today,” just a day after the news broke.
Debbie had a difficult relationship with both of her sons. When Nate was eight, he was placed in foster care and later adopted by Eminem when he turned 16. Their mother’s struggles with both sons were a big part of Eminem’s music, including his 2002 song “Cleanin’ Out My Closet.”
Debbie had Nate with Fred Samara Jr., 14 years after having Eminem with Marshall Bruce Mathers Sr. Despite their troubles, Debbie once said she wanted to fix her relationship with her kids. In a 2008 interview, she said, “I’m not ever gonna give up on my kids. I won’t give up on anybody. There’s hope for everybody.”
Eminem’s relationship with his mom at the time of her death isn’t clear, but he hinted at making peace in his 2013 song “Headlights.” He rapped, “My mom probably got it the worst… mad I didn’t get the chance to thank you for being my mom and my dad.”
A few months before Debbie’s death, it was reported that she was in the final stages of her illness and receiving care at a cancer center and at home. Sources said that while Eminem hadn’t spoken to his mother for years, he made sure she was financially supported.
