In an emotional statement released on Monday, Mariah Carey shared the devastating news that both her mother, Patricia, and her sister, Alison, passed away on the same day. The Grammy-winning singer expressed her profound grief and the heartbreak she is experiencing during this incredibly difficult time.

“My heart is broken that I’ve lost my mother this past weekend,” Carey said. “Sadly, in a tragic turn of events, my sister lost her life on the same day.”

Patricia, who was 87, was a Juilliard-trained opera singer and a significant influence on Carey’s musical journey. Reflecting on her childhood, Carey often credited her mother for nurturing her love for music. “I would sing little tunes around the house, to my mother’s delight. And she always encouraged me,” she recalled in her 2020 memoir, The Meaning of Mariah Carey.

Carey expressed gratitude for the time she spent with her mother in the final days before her passing. “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 added.

The cause of Patricia’s death has not been disclosed. Meanwhile, Alison, who was 63, reportedly died due to complications related to her organ function while in hospice care. Despite being estranged for much of their lives, the news of Alison’s death has undoubtedly added to Carey’s sorrow.

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Carey’s relationship with her mother and sister was far from simple, marked by both love and tension. In her memoir, Carey opened up about the complexities of her relationship with her mother, describing it as a “prickly rope of pride, pain, shame, gratitude, jealousy, admiration, and disappointment.” She also detailed the challenges she faced growing up, often clashing with her mother and feeling “so much pain and confusion” from their interactions. Her relationship with Alison was also fraught, with Carey accusing her sister of putting her in unsafe situations during their childhood.

Despite these difficulties, Carey maintained a connection with her mother over the years. They even collaborated on a duet of “O Come All Ye Faithful/Hallelujah Chorus” for Carey’s second Christmas album in 2010, a testament to the enduring bond that, despite its complexities, tied them together.

As Carey navigates this overwhelming loss, she has asked for privacy and understanding from her fans and the public. The singer’s community of supporters continues to rally around her, offering their condolences and support as she grieves the loss of two pivotal figures in her life.