Mariah Carey has announced the tragic passing of her mother and sister on the same day over the weekend. Details regarding the causes of their deaths have not been disclosed. In a heartfelt statement, the Grammy-winning singer expressed her sorrow, stating, “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.”
Patricia, Carey’s mother, was 87 years old and had a background as a former opera singer and vocal coach of Irish-American descent. In her 2020 memoir, The Meaning of Mariah Carey, the singer revealed the complexities of her relationship with her mother, which brought her significant pain and confusion over the years. Carey highlighted the challenges posed by professional jealousy, explaining how this was particularly hurtful given their familial bond. Despite the difficulties, she acknowledged the deep love she held for her mother, dedicating her memoir to Patricia and recognizing her efforts to do her best.
Carey has also spoken about the impact of her mother’s criticism during her childhood and credited her with introducing her to music. The relationship with her sister Alison, 63, was equally complicated. Carey described their estrangement in her memoir, stating that it felt safer to have no contact. Alison had previously filed a lawsuit against Carey for $1.2 million, claiming “immense emotional distress” due to the memoir.
Carey’s father, Alfred, passed away in 2002 from cancer at the age of 72. Known as one of the most successful singers worldwide, Mariah Carey is celebrated for her record-breaking achievements, including the best-selling Christmas song by a female artist, “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” and the highest number of number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 by a solo artist, with a total of 19 songs. She has sold over 220 million records globally and has served as a judge on American Idol.