Mariah Carey’s mother, Patricia, and her sister, Alison, both passed away over the weekend, as confirmed by PEOPLE.
In an exclusive statement to PEOPLE, the 55-year-old Grammy-winning singer expressed her deep sorrow: “My heart is shattered by the loss of my mother this past weekend. Tragically, my sister also passed away on the same day.”
Mariah continued, “I feel fortunate to have spent the last week with my mom before her passing. I am grateful for everyone’s love, support, and respect for my privacy during this incredibly difficult time.”
Details surrounding the causes of death for Patricia and Alison have not yet been disclosed.
Patricia, who had a career as a Juilliard-trained opera singer and vocal coach, was married to Alfred Roy Carey before their divorce when Mariah was three. The couple had three children: Alison, Mariah, and Morgan.
Mariah’s relationship with her mother was complex, marked by a mix of emotions. In her 2020 memoir, The Meaning of Mariah Carey, she described their relationship as a “prickly rope” of various emotions, reflecting the nuanced nature of their bond.
Despite their ups and downs, Mariah cherished her moments with her mother, including a 2010 performance of “O Come All Ye Faithful/Hallelujah Chorus” on ABC’s Mariah Carey: Merry Christmas to You. Mariah also dedicated part of her memoir to Patricia, acknowledging her efforts and expressing enduring love.
Mariah’s relationship with her sister Alison was similarly intricate. In her memoir, Mariah mentioned that maintaining distance was sometimes necessary for her emotional and physical safety.
