Betty Hixson Cause of Death: Eminem’s Grandmother Passes Away at 87
Betty Hixson, the maternal grandmother of rap icon Eminem (Marshall Mathers III), passed away at the age of 87 on March 10, 2026. According to reports, she died peacefully at her home in Missouri due to complications from breast cancer. The news comes just over a year after Eminem lost his mother, Debbie Nelson, who died in December 2024 from advanced lung cancer at age 69. The back-to-back family losses have deepened the grief surrounding Eminem’s personal life, a theme that has often been reflected in his music.
Betty J. Hixson (also known by her married names Kresin and Kresin-Hillsman) was born on August 18, 1938, in Highland, Kansas, to Jessie Mae Roesch and William Hixson Jr. She lived a full life marked by family devotion, resilience, and a quiet strength that shaped multiple generations. She was a wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many, raising her daughter Debbie and playing a significant role in the upbringing of her grandchildren, including Eminem. Obituaries and family statements describe her as an “amazing” woman who remained active and engaged throughout her life, even in her later years.
Her relationship with Eminem was complex, shaped by the turbulent dynamics of his early life. Eminem grew up in difficult circumstances, moving frequently between Missouri and Michigan, often in poverty and amid family strife. His lyrics in early albums like The Slim Shady LP and The Marshall Mathers LP frequently referenced strained family ties, including his mother and grandmother. Songs such as “Cleanin’ Out My Closet” and others touched on childhood experiences, resentment, and reconciliation efforts. Despite the public portrayal of conflict, Betty spoke fondly of her grandson in rare interviews, expressing pride and disbelief at his success. She once said she could hardly believe the global superstar was “the same boy who used to come and sit on my lap.”
Betty lived in St. Joseph, Missouri, in her later years and remained close to family members. She was survived by numerous grandchildren—including Eminem (Marshall Mathers III), Nathan Mathers, and others—along with great-grandchildren. Family tributes described her as a loving figure who cherished time with loved ones and remained a source of stability despite life’s hardships. She passed away at home, reportedly receiving excellent care from Mosaic Hospice in her final days.
The news of her death spread quickly across social media and entertainment outlets, with fans and followers expressing condolences to Eminem and his family. Many noted the emotional weight of losing both his mother and grandmother in such close succession, especially given the complicated history documented in his music. Eminem has not made a public statement about his grandmother’s passing as of mid-March 2026, consistent with his generally private approach to family matters in recent years.
Betty’s life spanned dramatic changes—from growing up in rural Kansas to witnessing her grandson rise from poverty to become one of the best-selling artists of all time. Her journey reflected the resilience of many Midwestern families who faced economic challenges, health struggles, and the complexities of modern fame. Though she remained largely out of the spotlight, her influence on Eminem’s early life was undeniable, providing a foundation that shaped both his struggles and his triumphs.
The cause of death—complications from breast cancer—highlights ongoing conversations about cancer awareness, especially among older adults. Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers worldwide, and while treatments have advanced significantly, complications in later stages can be devastating. Betty’s battle, though private, serves as a reminder of the disease’s impact on families across generations.
Eminem’s relationship with his family has been a recurring theme in his music and public life. From early diss tracks to later reflections on reconciliation, he has often used his platform to process pain, anger, and forgiveness. The loss of Betty Hixson, coming so soon after his mother’s death, adds another layer to this ongoing narrative. Fans have expressed sympathy online, sharing memories of how Eminem’s lyrics captured the raw emotions of family dysfunction and healing.
As the hip-hop community and fans reflect on Betty’s life, the focus remains on honoring her memory. She was a grandmother who saw her grandson rise from humble beginnings to global superstardom, a woman who endured hardship with grace, and a family matriarch whose love endured despite challenges. Her passing at 87 marks the close of a chapter for Eminem and his relatives, one filled with both pain and pride.
The music world continues to watch Eminem closely, knowing that personal losses have often fueled some of his most powerful work. Whether this grief finds expression in future songs or remains private, Betty Hixson’s legacy lives on through her family and the generations she helped shape. Rest in peace, Betty Hixson.
