Double Tragedy

In an unimaginable turn of events, Mariah Carey has confirmed that both her mother, Patricia Carey, and her sister, Alison Carey, tragically passed away on the same day. The devastating news has left the Grammy-winning singer heartbroken and grappling with overwhelming grief as she mourns the loss of two key figures in her life.

The 55-year-old icon shared the news exclusively with PEOPLE, stating, "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 statement reflected the profound depth of her sorrow, as she asked for privacy and compassion during this unimaginable time. "I appreciate everyone’s love and support and respect for my privacy during this impossible time."

A Lifetime of Complex Family Bonds

While details surrounding Patricia and Alison’s deaths have not yet been revealed, the loss marks a pivotal moment in Mariah’s life, defined by intricate and sometimes strained family relationships.

Patricia Carey, a Juilliard-trained opera singer and vocal coach, was a major influence on Mariah’s vocal prowess, having passed on her musical talents to her daughter. However, Mariah’s relationship with her mother was far from simple. The two shared a complicated bond, which the singer openly discussed in her 2020 memoir, The Meaning of Mariah Carey. In the book, Mariah candidly revealed that her journey with her mother had been "full of contradictions and competing realities."

She described their relationship as a "prickly rope of pride, pain, shame, gratitude, jealousy, admiration, and disappointment." Despite the emotional complexities, Mariah made it clear that there was a deep and enduring love between her and Patricia. In her memoir, she dedicated part of her story to her mother, 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."

Time Shared Before Loss

One source of comfort for Mariah has been the fact that she was able to spend the last week of Patricia's life by her side. "I feel blessed that I was able to spend the last week with my mom before she passed," Mariah shared in her statement, emphasizing the significance of those final moments.

Mariah’s relationship with her older sister Alison was even more fraught. Alison, who had struggled with addiction and health issues throughout her life, was often at the center of family turmoil. In The Meaning of Mariah Carey, the singer revealed that her relationship with Alison had deteriorated to the point where it became "emotionally and physically safer" for Mariah to distance herself from her sister. Despite this distance, the pain of losing both her mother and sister on the same day is undeniably profound.

A Legacy of Love and Loss

Mariah’s emotional ties to her family have always been a defining part of her public narrative. Over the years, she maintained a delicate balance between sharing glimpses of her personal struggles and protecting her own peace. Despite the ups and downs, Mariah continued to honor her mother’s memory, even performing a touching mother-daughter duet of “O Come All Ye Faithful” in her 2010 Christmas special, Mariah Carey: Merry Christmas to You.

The double loss of Patricia and Alison marks the closing of a chapter in Mariah’s life that was filled with both love and heartache. Fans and loved ones have been quick to offer their support to the beloved singer as she navigates this immense personal tragedy.

While Mariah has always been open about her personal trials, this moment of sorrow marks one of the most challenging periods in her life. As she continues to mourn, her request for privacy underscores the depth of her grief and the need for space to heal.