Debbie Nelson, Eminem's mother, whose difficult relationship with her son was reflected in much of his earlier music, has died at the age of 69. The rapper's representative, Dennis Dennehy, confirmed his mother's death to US media.

The mother and son had a publicly fraught relationship, including a 1999 defamation suit that she filed against her son.

Last night (3 December) it was announced the rapper's mother had passed away at the age of 69 due to complications of lung cancer on Monday. The news was confirmed to PEOPLE by Eminem 's representative.

Eminem's mother, Debbie Nelson, died this week after a battle with lung cancer, a representative for the rapper confirmed to The Times. Nelson was 69.

Debbie Nelson, the mother of rapper Eminem, has died, TMZ and People have confirmed. She was 69. Nelson died in St. Joseph, Missouri, from complications related to lung cancer, a representative for Eminem told People.