Nathan “Nate” Kane Mathers, Eminem’s half-brother, has spoken out following the passing of their mother, Debbie Nelson.
Nelson, 69, died after a battle with advanced lung cancer, and Nate shared his thoughts just one day after the news broke.
“Hatred and mixed emotions today,” the 38-year-old wrote in an Instagram Story on Tuesday, reacting to the loss and the complicated history he shares with his mother.
Eminem — born Marshall Bruce Mathers III — has not yet commented publicly on his mother’s death. TMZ first reported the news earlier this week.
Both brothers have had a tumultuous relationship with Nelson over the years. Nate, who was born to Nelson and Fred Samara Jr., was placed into foster care at just eight years old. When he turned 16, Eminem adopted him, solidifying their close bond as siblings.
Nelson also gave birth to Eminem during her relationship with Marshall Bruce Mathers Jr., roughly 14 years before Nate’s arrival.
Eminem has often been open about their rocky relationship, channeling those emotions into his music. His 2002 track 'Cleanin’ Out My Closet' famously detailed his grievances with Nelson.
In a rare public statement about their relationship, Nelson shared her perspective during a 2008 interview with The Village Voice. “I’m not ever gonna give up on my kids. I won’t give up on anybody,” she said. “There’s hope for everybody. It’s a matter of just basically swallowing your pride. It’s like a cashed check. It’s over, it’s done. You need to move on.”
The status of Eminem and Nelson’s relationship at the time of her death remains unclear. However, the rapper did express regret over their fractured bond in his 2013 song 'Headlights.'
In the track, he rapped about wanting to make peace, admitting, “My mom probably got it the worst,” and reflecting on the pain caused by their estrangement.
He also acknowledged her efforts, adding, “I was mad I didn’t get the chance to thank you for being my mom and my dad.”
Reports suggest Nelson had been struggling with her health for some time. In September, InTouch Weekly revealed she had only a “very limited amount of time” left, citing a source who said she was spending her remaining days between a cancer center and family members.
The same source suggested that communication between Nelson and Eminem had been non-existent for years.
“He’s good to his mom. He makes sure he takes care of her, but they don’t really talk,” the insider shared. “It would be good for both of them [to communicate]. This could give them the chance to reconcile.”
As the family navigates the loss, Nate’s reaction reflects the complex emotions tied to Nelson’s passing.
Whether Eminem chooses to address the news publicly remains to be seen, but his music has long provided insight into the complicated family dynamics he has faced.