Mariah Carey has revealed the tragic loss of both her mother, Patricia, and sister, Alison, who died on the same day over the weekend. The singer shared her grief in a statement released on Monday, expressing her heartbreak and gratitude for the time she spent with her mother before her passing.

The Grammy-winning singer said she felt blessed to have spent the last week with her mother and asked for privacy during this difficult time. The news of their deaths was confirmed by the singer herself, with no further details about the causes of death being released.

A Complex Family History

Patricia, 87, was a former opera singer and vocal coach of Irish-American descent. Carey, 55, has previously detailed her complicated relationship with her mother in her 2020 memoir, “The Meaning of Mariah Carey,” revealing that their relationship had caused her “so much pain and confusion.” She described a dynamic of professional jealousy between them, writing that while the “territory of success” can be fraught with jealousy, “when the person is your mother and the jealousy is revealed at such a tender age, it’s particularly painful.” However, she also spoke of her profound love for her mother, writing in the dedication: “To Pat, my mother, who, through it all, I do believe actually did the best she could. I will love you the best I can, always.”

Carey’s relationship with her older sister, Alison, 63, was also complex. In her memoir, she wrote of being estranged from her and her brother Morgan, citing that it was “emotionally and physically safer for me to not have any contact.” The singer’s father, Alfred, died in 2002 of cancer at the age of 72.

Carey’s relationship with her mother was not always smooth, but she has always credited her mother with introducing her to music and fostering her talent from a young age. She detailed the influence of her mother’s passion for music in her memoir, stating that she would sing “little tunes around the house, to my mother’s delight.” Patricia’s encouragement played a significant role in Carey’s journey to becoming one of the most successful singers globally.

The Legacy of a Music Icon

Carey is known for her powerful vocals, impressive range, and iconic holiday single “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” which is the best-selling Christmas song by a female artist of all time. She holds the record for the most Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles by a solo artist at 19 songs, has sold over 220 million records worldwide, and served as a judge on the competition show American Idol.

The news of the singer’s losses is a reminder of the complex and often challenging nature of family relationships. Despite the complexities, Mariah Carey has demonstrated the lasting impact that family members can have on each other’s lives and careers. Her career has been an inspiring testament to the power of passion, talent, and unwavering determination, and her music continues to resonate with audiences around the world.

A Time for Healing

Carey’s fans and colleagues have expressed their condolences and support during this difficult time. As Carey navigates this period of profound loss, her fans and the music community will undoubtedly continue to offer their love and respect for her privacy as she grieves the loss of her mother and sister.