Experiencing the loss of a loved one is an incredibly painful ordeal, one that many can relate to. However, Mariah Carey recently endured an unimaginable tragedy, losing both her mother, Patricia Carey, and her sister, Alison Carey, on the same day.
In a heartfelt statement, Mariah Carey, the Grammy-winning artist known for hits like “All I Want For Christmas,” shared the devastating news with her fans. “My heart is broken that I’ve lost my mother this past weekend,” she revealed, according to PEOPLE. She also disclosed the shocking news of her sister’s passing, stating, “Sadly, in a tragic turn of events, my sister lost her life on the same day.”
The grief of losing two close family members simultaneously is beyond comprehension. Despite the heartbreak, Mariah expressed gratitude for the time she was able to spend 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,” she said.
Mariah’s relationship with her mother and sister had been complicated for many years. Her connection with Alison, in particular, had been strained, and the two had been estranged for a significant period. In her memoir, The Meaning of Mariah Carey, the singer openly discussed the difficulties in her relationship with Alison, referring to her as her “ex-sister.” Mariah explained that it was emotionally and physically safer for her to maintain distance from her siblings.
Alison, who was eight years older than Mariah, led a troubled life filled with challenges. In her memoir, Mariah detailed instances of emotional and physical pain inflicted by Alison during their childhood and later years, which contributed to their fractured bond.
In 2021, Alison filed a lawsuit against Mariah, seeking $1.25 million in damages. She claimed that Mariah’s decision to reveal personal details of their upbringing in her memoir was “heartless” and “vindictive,” further deepening the rift between the sisters.
Alison, who had been diagnosed with HIV in the 1990s, faced declining health in her later years and spent her final days in hospice care. According to David Baker, a friend of Alison, her death was not unexpected, as complications with her organs had worsened over time. “We knew it was coming,” Baker shared.
Although Mariah was not present during Alison’s final days, Alison did have the opportunity to reunite with some of her children, whom she had not seen in years. Baker noted, “She was thrilled to see them.”
Losing both her mother and sister on the same day is an unimaginable sorrow, and our thoughts are with Mariah Carey during this difficult time.