Mariah Carey Mourns the Loss of Her Mother and Sister, Both Passing on the Same Day
Mariah Carey is facing a profound personal tragedy with the recent deaths of both her mother and sister, who the iconic singer has revealed passed away on the same day.
In a statement released to CNN on Monday, Carey shared her deep sorrow: “My heart is broken that I’ve lost my mother this past weekend. Sadly, in a tragic turn of events, my sister lost her life on the same day.” The pop superstar’s statement reflects the intense grief she is experiencing following this double loss.
Details surrounding the causes of death for Patricia Carey and Alison Carey have not been disclosed by the singer. Patricia Carey, who was 87, had a notable career as a Juilliard-trained opera singer and a respected vocal coach. Her death represents a significant loss to the artistic community and to her family. Alison Carey, 63, had been living in Coxsackie, New York, and her passing has also deeply affected Mariah.
In her heartfelt statement, Carey expressed gratitude for the time she was able to spend with her mother in her final days. “I feel blessed that I was able to spend the last week with my mom before she passed. I appreciate everyone’s love and support and respect for my privacy during this impossible time,” she said. This acknowledgment highlights the complex emotions of loss and the need for privacy during such a personal period of mourning.
Patricia Carey, who dedicated her life to music, was married to Alfred Roy Carey, Mariah’s father. The couple separated when Mariah was just three years old, and Alfred Roy Carey passed away in 2002. Despite their separation, Patricia’s influence on Mariah’s life and career was significant. In her 2020 memoir, The Meaning of Mariah Carey, Mariah addressed the intricacies of her relationship with her mother. She described it as “complicated,” marked by both deep affection and significant challenges. Despite these difficulties, Mariah’s memoir included a heartfelt dedication to her mother: “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.”
In contrast, Mariah’s relationship with her sister, Alison Carey, was notably strained. The siblings had been estranged, with Alison filing a lawsuit against Mariah in 2021. The lawsuit, which alleged intentional infliction of emotional distress, claimed that Mariah’s memoir contained content intended to “humiliate and embarrass” her sister. The legal proceedings highlighted the fraught nature of their relationship, which had been publicly contentious. Despite the legal conflict, Alison’s passing has added another layer of complexity to Mariah’s grief.
Mariah Carey’s family also includes her brother, Morgan Carey, making her the middle child in a family deeply affected by these recent losses. The singer’s personal and professional circles are now rallying around her, offering support as she navigates this period of profound sorrow.
This period of mourning for Mariah Carey is one of both personal reflection and public attention. As she deals with the emotional aftermath of losing her mother and sister, the support from fans and the general public will undoubtedly play a role in helping her through this challenging time. The coming days will be a time of remembrance and healing for the singer, as she processes these significant losses and seeks solace in the memories of her loved ones.
Early life of Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey was born on March 27, 1969, in Huntington, New York. Her name pays homage to the song “They Call the Wind Maria,” which originated from the 1951 Broadway musical Paint Your Wagon. As the youngest of three siblings, Mariah’s family background is a rich tapestry of diverse heritage. Her mother, Patricia (née Hickey), was an opera singer and vocal coach with Irish roots, while her father, Alfred Roy Carey, was an aeronautical engineer with a mixed African-American and Afro-Venezuelan background. Mariah’s last name, “Carey,” was adopted by her Venezuelan grandfather, Francisco Núñez, following his migration to New York.
Patricia’s decision to marry Alfred led to significant racial challenges, including estrangement from her own family and hostility from their community. The Careys faced racial tensions that included disturbing incidents such as their family dog being poisoned and their car being set on fire. Following her parents’ divorce, Mariah had limited contact with her father. Patricia, working multiple jobs to support her family, left Mariah to spend much of her time alone. Despite these challenges, Mariah found solace in music from a young age, beginning to sing at three by mimicking her mother’s interpretations of Verdi’s opera Rigoletto in Italian. While her older sister, Alison, moved in with their father, Mariah and her elder brother, Morgan, remained with their mother.
In elementary school, Mariah showed a natural aptitude for the arts, excelling in music and literature. Her talent continued to flourish during her high school years at Harborfields High School in Greenlawn, New York, where she graduated in 1987. During this time, she started writing poetry and lyrics. Patricia, although a classically trained opera singer, never pressured Mariah to follow a similar path. Mariah appreciated her mother’s supportive approach, noting, “She never said, ‘Give it more of an operatic feel.’ I respect opera like crazy, but it didn’t influence me.”
Throughout high school, Mariah’s burgeoning music career sometimes caused her to miss classes, earning her the nickname “Mirage” among her peers. Her early work in the Long Island music scene allowed her to collaborate with musicians like Gavin Christopher and Ben Margulies, contributing to the creation of her demo tape. After relocating to New York City, Mariah juggled part-time jobs and completed 500 hours of beauty school while living in a one-bedroom Manhattan apartment with four roommates. Her persistence paid off when she secured a position as a backup singer for freestyle artist Brenda K. Starr, marking the beginning of her professional music career.
