In a heartbreaking turn of events, Mariah Carey, the iconic singer known for her soaring vocals and timeless hits, has confirmed the passing of both her mother, Patricia Carey, and her sister, Alison Carey, this past weekend. The 55-year-old singer shared the devastating news in a statement to CBS News on Monday, though she did not specify the cause of death or the exact day the tragedies occurred.

“My heart is broken that I’ve lost my mother this past weekend,” Mariah Carey said in her statement. “Sadly, in a tragic turn of events, my sister lost her life on the same day. I feel blessed that I was able to spend the last week with my mom before she passed.”

Patricia Carey, a former opera singer, was instrumental in nurturing her daughter’s musical talents from a young age. Patricia recorded music with Mariah before her death, and the two shared a close bond, particularly over their shared love of music. Mariah has often spoken about the significant influence her mother had on her career, recounting a story during an interview on CBS’s “Sunday Morning.”

“Well, my mother tells a story,” Carey recalled. “She said that she was doing ‘Rigoletto,’ and she kept rehearsing one part over and over and over. And then, she messed up. And I said, ‘No, it goes like this,’ and sang it to her.” Patricia Carey recognized Mariah’s innate musical talent from that moment, deciding to encourage and foster her daughter’s gift.

While Mariah shared a close relationship with her mother, her connection with her sister Alison was far more complicated. The sisters had been estranged for many years, a rift that Mariah candidly addressed in her memoir. In the book, the singer revealed that it was “emotionally and physically safer for me not to have any contact” with Alison and their brother Morgan.

Alison Carey’s life had been fraught with struggles, and the public tension between the siblings had been well-documented over the years. Despite this, the simultaneous loss of both family members is an unimaginable blow for the singer.

This tragedy adds to the sorrows that Mariah Carey has endured, as her father, Alfred Roy Carey, passed away from cancer in 2002, according to a report by People magazine.

Mariah Carey’s music has long been a source of comfort and inspiration to millions around the world. As she navigates this profound personal loss, her fans and admirers are likely to rally around her, offering support and sympathy during this incredibly difficult time.

Credit: CBS News