Debbie Nelson, the single mother of rapper Eminem, whose rocky relationship with her son was known widely through his hit song lyrics, has died. She was 69.

Debbie Nelson, Eminem's mother, whose difficult relationship with her son was reflected in much of his earlier music, has died at the age of 69. The rapper's representative, Dennis Dennehy, confirmed his mother's death to US media.

Nelson, a former Detroiter once known as Debbie Mathers, died in her Missouri hometown. Her rocky relationship with son Marshall was chronicled in his work.