Mariah Carey has opened up about the recent loss of her mother, Patricia, and sister, Alison, who passed away on the same day.
On Sunday, September 8, Carey shared an update on Instagram, stating, “Back at work. It’s been a couple of rough weeks.” She expressed her gratitude for the support she has received and looked forward to her upcoming performances, saying, “I can’t wait to see my fans in China and Brazil.” In the post, she also shared a heartfelt, stripped-down rendition of her 2005 song “It’s Like That.”
Carey had initially requested privacy as she dealt with the tragic news of her family’s passing. She is scheduled to perform in China on September 15 and 16, followed by concerts in Brazil on September 20 and 22. She posted another video of herself singing “I Wish You Knew,” dedicating it to her fans in these countries, with the caption, “I Wish You Knew, dedicated to my fans in China and Brazil! See you soon.”
On August 26, Carey publicly addressed her grief, stating, “My heart is broken that I’ve lost my mother this past weekend. Tragically, my sister also passed away on the same day.” She added, “I feel blessed that I was able to spend the last week with my mom before she passed. I appreciate everyone’s love, support, and respect for my privacy during this impossible time.”
In her 2020 memoir, The Meaning of Mariah Carey, the singer candidly discussed her difficult relationships with her mother, a Juilliard-trained opera singer, and her sister Alison. She described her relationship with her mother as causing her significant pain and confusion, and explained that she had to mentally distance herself from her family to maintain her well-being.
David Baker, a patient advocate who knew Alison, described her as “a highly intelligent, very sensitive person,” though he noted that her quick decline was still shocking. Alison, a mother of four, passed away within a month of falling ill.
Carey’s brother, Morgan, also commented on the loss, saying, “I’m praying for them and hope they are finally at peace. We were five, and now we are two.”
