Marshall Mathers — known worldwide as Eminem — is grieving a painful loss. The rapper’s grandmother, Betty Kresin, has died at the age of 87. Their relationship, much like many in his family, had long been complicated.
According to TMZ, Betty passed away at her home in Missouri after complications from breast cancer. The outlet reports that Eminem was not present at the time of her death.
Her passing comes just a little over a year after the death of his mother, Debbie Nelson, who died in 2024 following a battle with lung cancer.
Much like his relationship with his mother, Eminem’s bond with his grandmother had its ups and downs over the years. In 2000, Betty spoke openly about how things 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 conflict and a difficult upbringing.
Family has always been a sensitive subject for Eminem. Many of his songs detail growing up in a troubled home and the complicated relationships he had with relatives.
For example, he criticized his mother in several tracks. On the 2002 song Cleanin’ Out My Closet, he accused her of mistreating him, even referencing Munchausen syndrome by proxy: “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.”
Throughout his music, Eminem has shared deeply personal details about his childhood, giving listeners a raw look into his past.
Fans come together
His upbringing shaped him both as a person and as an artist. Fans and collaborators have long praised him for his honesty and his willingness to confront trauma through his music — something that resonates with millions.
Now, after losing both his mother and grandmother in such a short span of time, fans around the world are sending messages of love, support, and prayers. One thing remains true: even when relationships are complicated, losing someone close is never easy.
Rest in peace, Betty.
