Mariah Carey revealed that her mother, Patricia, and her sister, Alison, both passed away on the same day.
The Grammy-winning singer expressed her heartbreak and gratitude for the time she spent with her mother before her death, while also asking for privacy during this difficult period.
Alison, who was largely estranged from Carey, died at 63 from complications with her organ function and that she had been in hospice care.
“My heart is broken that I’ve lost my mother this past weekend. Sadly, in a tragic turn of events, my sister lost her life on the same day,” the Grammy-winning singer said in a statement.
“I feel blessed that I was able to spend the last week with my mom before she passed,” the statement continued. “I appreciate everyone’s love and support and respect for my privacy during this impossible time.”
Her mom Patricia, a Juilliard-trained opera singer, played a significant role in Mariah’s early life, but their bond was marked by pain and confusion, as Mariah detailed in her 2020 memoir. Despite the difficulties, Mariah acknowledged that her mother “did the best she could” and maintained a connection with her.
Her relationship with her sister Alison was similarly complicated.
Alison, who struggled with substance abuse and legal issues, often sought financial help from Mariah, leading to a strained relationship. Mariah described their bond as toxic, and in her memoir, she revealed that it was “emotionally and physically safer” to cut off contact with Alison or their brother Morgan.