Mariah Carey’s mother, Patricia, and sister, Alison, both died on the same day this past weekend, the Grammy-winning singer said Monday.
“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,” Carey shared in a heartfelt statement. “I feel blessed that I was able to spend the last week with my mom before she passed. I appreciate everyone’s love and support and respect for my privacy during this impossible time.”
Patricia, a Juilliard-trained opera singer, was a significant influence on Carey’s musical journey. Patricia was previously married to Alfred Roy Carey, Mariah’s father, who passed away from cancer in 2002. Carey grew up primarily with her mother in Suffolk County on Long Island after her parents divorced when she was three years old. “I would sing little tunes around the house, to my mother’s delight. And she always encouraged me,” she wrote in her 2020 memoir, “The Meaning of Mariah Carey.”
Despite a ‘complicated’ relationship, Carey maintained contact with her mother as an adult and even recorded a duet of “O Come All Ye Faithful/Hallelujah Chorus” with her for her second Christmas album in 2010. Her relationship with her sister Alison was largely estranged. Alison, who was 63, passed away from complications with her organ function and had been in hospice care, according to reports. Mariah had often kept a distance from the public drama surrounding her sister, yet their relationship remained a sensitive topic. Alison’s battles with substance abuse and health issues were known, but the news of her passing still came as a shock to those familiar with her story.
Despite the troubled past and complicated family dynamics, Carey’s statement reflects a deep sense of loss and grief. She asked for privacy as she navigated this challenging period. “I appreciate everyone’s love and support and respect for my privacy during this impossible time,” she said.
Mariah Carey’s fans and the music community have rallied around her during this difficult time, sending an outpouring of love and condolences. While the details surrounding Patricia and Alison’s deaths have not been fully disclosed, what remains clear is the profound impact this loss has on Mariah and her family. In honoring her mother and sister’s memory, Mariah Carey will undoubtedly continue to inspire with her strength and grace.