Marshall Mathers — better known to the world as Eminem — is mourning a heartbreaking loss. The rapper’s grandmother, Betty Kresin, has passed away at the age of 87. Through the years, they had a complicated relationship.
According to TMZ, Betty died at her home in Missouri following complications from breast cancer. The news outlet claims that Eminem was not by her side at the time of her passing.
The loss comes just a little over a year after the death of his mother, Debbie Nelson, who died in 2024 after battling lung cancer.
Just as his relationship with his mother, over the years, Eminem’s relationship with his grandmother was said to have had its ups and downs. Back in 2000, Betty spoke openly about how their bond had changed after he became famous.
“Neither his mother Debbie nor I can figure out what happened to this sweet, caring youngster. In just over 12 years he’s gone from telling me ‘Grandma I love you,’ to ‘Go to hell.’ It just breaks my heart,” she told the Mirror at the time.
“I can’t believe this is my Marshall, the same boy who used to come and sit on my lap,” she added.
Eminem’s grandmother Betty dies at 87
Her comments came during the early years of Eminem’s career, when his music often reflected family conflicts and a difficult childhood.
His family has always been a sensitive subject in Eminem’s life. Many of his songs describe growing up in a troubled home and the complicated relationships he had with relatives.
For example, he criticized his mother in several of the songs he released. On the 2002 track Cleanin’ Out My Closet, Eminem criticized his mother throughout the song.
He even said he was a victim of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, rapping, “Goin’ through public housing systems, a victim of Münchausen’s Syndrome / My whole life I was made to believe I was sick when I wasn’t.”
Eminem went on to rap extensively about his childhood, revealing personal details from his past.
Fans come together
His childhood shaped him both as a person and as a rapper, as many fans and those he has worked with have praised him for his authenticity and for his willingness to expose trauma through his music, which resonates so deeply with others.
Now, after losing both his mother and his grandmother within a short period of time, fans around the world are sharing messages of support, love, and prayers for the rapper. One thing is for certain: Even when relationships are complicated, losing someone close is never easy.
Rest in peace, Betty.