Mariah Carey Suffers Double Loss: Mother and Sister Die on Same Day
Mariah Carey has announced the heartbreaking loss of both her mother, Patricia, and her sister, Alison, who passed away on the same day over the weekend. The Grammy-winning singer shared the news in an exclusive statement with PEOPLE, expressing her profound grief and gratitude for the time spent with her mother before her passing.
"My heart is broken that Iâve lost my mother this past weekend. Sadly, in a tragic turn of events, my sister lost her life on the same day," the 55-year-old star said. "I feel blessed that I was able to spend the last week with my mom before she passed. I appreciate everyoneâs love and support and respect for my privacy during this impossible time."
While no details regarding the cause of death for Patricia and Alison have been released, Mariah has spoken candidly about her complicated relationship with her mother in her 2020 memoir, "The Meaning of Mariah Carey." Patricia, a Juilliard-trained opera singer and vocal coach, was previously married to Alfred Roy Carey, with whom she had Alison, Mariah, and son Morgan. The couple divorced when Mariah was three years old.
Mariah's memoir detailed the complexities of her relationship with Patricia, acknowledging the "prickly rope of pride, pain, shame, gratitude, jealousy, admiration and disappointment" that defined their bond. Despite these challenges, Mariah maintained a relationship with her mother, even performing a festive duet of "O Come All Ye Faithful/Hallelujah Chorus" with her for ABC's 2010 special, "Mariah Carey: Merry Christmas to You." In her memoir, Mariah dedicated the book in part to Patricia, writing, "And 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."
Mariah's relationship with Alison was equally intricate. In her memoir, the star wrote that, at the time, it was "emotionally and physically safer for me not to have any contact" with her sister or her brother Morgan.
The news of this double loss comes as a devastating blow to Mariah Carey, and her fans around the world are sending their condolences and support during this incredibly difficult time.
