Mariah Carey is facing an unimaginable heartbreak. The 55-year-old music icon, known for her powerhouse vocals and chart-topping hits like “Fantasy” and “Hero,” shared the devastating news on Monday (August 26) that her mother, Patricia Carey, and her older sister, Alison Carey, both passed away on the same day over the weekend.
In a heartfelt statement released to People, Mariah expressed the profound sorrow she’s experiencing. “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,” she shared, conveying the depth of her grief and the surreal nature of losing two close family members at once.
Mariah also mentioned the solace she found in spending time with her mother during her final days. “I feel blessed that I was able to spend the last week with my mom before she passed,” Mariah added. She continued, “I appreciate everyone’s love and support and respect for my privacy during this impossible time.”
While the exact causes of Patricia and Alison’s deaths have not been disclosed, their sudden passing on the same day adds a layer of tragedy to an already painful situation. The loss of both a mother and a sister in such a short span is a unique and profound grief that is difficult to fathom.
Mariah Carey’s relationship with her mother and sister has been complicated, marked by a mixture of love, conflict, and deep emotions. In her 2020 memoir, The Meaning of Mariah Carey, she offered a glimpse into the complex dynamics she shared with her mother, Patricia. “Like many aspects of my life, my journey with my mother has been full of contradictions and competing realities. It’s never been only black-and-white — it’s been a whole rainbow of emotions,” Mariah wrote, highlighting the multifaceted nature of their bond.
She described their relationship as a “prickly rope of pride, pain, shame, gratitude, jealousy, admiration, and disappointment,” acknowledging that it was far from simple. “A complicated love tethers my heart to my mother’s,” she reflected, illustrating the deep and sometimes conflicting feelings that defined their connection. Despite the difficulties, Mariah maintained a relationship with Patricia and even dedicated part of her memoir to her mother. “And to Pat, my mother, who, through it all, I do believe actually did the best she could,” Mariah wrote in a touching tribute. “I will love you the best I can, always.”
As for her sister Alison, Mariah’s relationship with her was equally complex and fraught with challenges. In her memoir, Mariah revealed that it was “emotionally and physically safer for me not to have any contact” with Alison at the time, suggesting that their relationship was strained to the point of estrangement. The difficulties between them were well-documented, but the loss of a sibling is nonetheless a heavy burden, regardless of the past.
Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Mariah during this incredibly difficult time. Rest in peace, Patricia and Alison.
