As Mariah Carey mourns the death of her mother and sister, more revelation is unfolding. The Grammy-winning singer is facing criticism for allegedly not contacting her older sister in the weeks leading up to her death.
According to David Baker, a close friend of Mariah Carey’s older sister, Alison Carey, the “Obsessed” singer reportedly made no effort to reach out to her sister despite being informed a month ago that she was dying.
Mariah Carey performs onstage during Global Citizen Festival 2022: New York at Central Park on September 24, 2022, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
The 55-year-old singer who experienced a double tragedy, losing both her sister Alison and their mother, Patricia Carey on the same day said she was heartbroken by the news. However, David claims that Alison often spoke of feeling abandoned by her famous sister, even wondering if Mariah would attend her funeral.
A screenshot of Alison Carey taken from a video posted on August 28, 2024 | Source: YouTube/@InsideEdition
In an exclusive interview with The U.S. Sun, David shared that Alison was deeply hurt by the lack of contact from Mariah, especially during such a critical time. “Alison was unhappy that her ‘baby sister’ had cut off contact with her,” David revealed. “She talked about it frequently. She wondered if Mariah or any of her relatives would come to her funeral.”
A screenshot of Alison Carey taken from a video posted on August 28, 2024 | Source: YouTube/@InsideEdition
David continued, “Mariah has never tried to contact Alison, even after she was told a month ago that Alison was dying.” He added that “a phone call or a video call from Mariah would have meant so much to Alison.”
David also questioned Mariah’s public expression of heartbreak, suggesting that Alison’s pain was compounded by what he described as a “callous rejection.”
A screenshot of Alison Carey taken from a video posted on August 28, 2024 | Source: YouTube/@InsideEdition
Following David’s revelation, the news has ignited an online conversation about the complexities of family relationships, even among the rich and famous. Fans and the public have shared a range of reactions to the situation.
One person commented, “Unfortunately, dysfunctional families are rich and poor.” They went on to explain that everyone faces their own family issues, concluding, “That’s Mariah’s life; all we can do is pray for the family.”
Another expressed sympathy, saying, “It’s very sad. Who knows what went wrong?” A different person noted, “Doesn’t matter what kind of relationship—it’s still her sister💔. I’d do anything to have my sister back 😢💔🙏.”
Some defended Mariah, arguing that despite the estranged relationship, it “doesn’t mean she’s not hurting.” One person humbly requested, “Please respect her mourning.” Another social media user echoed this sentiment, stating, “At the end of the day, it’s still her sister. She’s going to feel something.”
A fan comment dated August 27, 2024 | Source: Instagram/tmz_tv
Others related to Mariah’s situation, sharing their own experiences with estranged family members. Comments like, “Sometimes you have to love from a distance—prime example, my sister,” reflected this understanding.
Many acknowledged that Mariah’s grief might be even more challenging because of the estrangement. “It doesn’t make her grieving process any easier. It’s probably even harder,” one person noted.
Mariah Carey speaks onstage during the Songwriters Hall of Fame 51st Annual Induction and Awards Gala in New York on June 16, 2022. | Source: Getty Images
People also offered their condolences, with one user sending, “love and light,” and adding, “I can’t even imagine her mother, too. My mother was everything.” However, critics also weighed in, with some stating that Mariah “will always have some regrets with this in her life.” Another person argued, “Isn’t ‘estranged’ all the explanation that is needed?”
A fan comment dated August 27, 2024 | Source: Facebook/TMZ
According to David, the memorial service is planned for a later date but there are no preparations at the moment. He paid Alison a touching tribute remembering her as an intelligent, warm, and sensitive person.
Mariah confirmed the devastating news about her mother and sister’s death which occurred over the weekend. “My heart is broken that I’ve lost my mother this past weekend,” she shared, letting fans in on the immense sadness weighing on her.
Patricia Hickey, Mariah Carey and Monroe Cannon in August 2015 in Los Angeles | Source: Getty Images
“Sadly, in a tragic turn of events, my sister lost her life on the same day,” she said. While the singer has been a beacon of light and strength for millions through her music, this personal sorrow is one of her darkest moments.
Mariah Carey performs onstage during the 2023 LA Pride in the Park Festival at Los Angeles Historical Park on June 10, 2023, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Yet, even in the midst of this profound grief, Mariah found solace in the final days spent with her mother, honoring the bond they shared. “I feel blessed that I was able to spend the last week with my mom before she passed,” she said. “I appreciate everyone’s love and support and respect for my privacy during this impossible time,” she added.
Mariah Carey attends the 2022 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 24, 2022, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
The causes of death for both Patricia and Alison remain unknown leaving a cloud of mystery around this devastating family tragedy.
Mariah Carey seen shopping on December 23, 2022, in Aspen, Colorado. | Source: Getty Images
Patricia was a celebrated Juilliard-trained opera singer and vocal coach. She passed on her extraordinary musical gifts to her daughter. Mariah’s unmistakable five-octave range and powerful voice can be traced directly back to her mother’s operatic roots.
Mariah Carey is seen walking in soho on October 10, 2022, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
However, their relationship was far from perfect. Mariah’s bond with Patricia was as complicated as it was meaningful. In her 2020 memoir, “The Meaning of Mariah Carey,” the singer candidly peeled back the layers of their connection.
Mariah Carey is seen at Ortigia on July 09, 2022, in Siracusa, Italy. | Source: Getty Images
She described it as a journey full of contradictions and competing realities—a mixture of emotions that could never be reduced to simple black and white. “It’s been a whole rainbow of emotions,” she wrote, hinting at the depth and complexity that defined their dynamic.
Mariah Carey speaks onstage during the Songwriters Hall of Fame 51st Annual Induction and Awards Gala in New York on June 16, 2022. | Source: Getty Images
Mariah poetically captured the essence of their relationship as a “prickly rope of pride, pain, shame, gratitude, jealousy, admiration, and disappointment.” Despite the struggles, the love between them ran deep.
Mariah Carey at her “Butterfly” album release party in 1997 | Source: Getty Images
In 2010, the mother-daughter duo joined forces for a heartwarming performance during “Mariah Carey: Merry Christmas to You” on ABC, delivering a stirring rendition of “O Come All Ye Faithful/Hallelujah Chorus.” It was a rare and tender moment that showcased their shared musical heritage.
Mariah’s love for her mother, despite the thorns, remained unwavering. Even amid their complicated bond, Mariah always found moments to celebrate the woman who gave her life—and her voice.
In 2019, the singer took to social media to wish her mother a happy birthday, sharing a touching throwback photo of herself as a child, lovingly cradled in Patricia’s arms. Alongside the post, the singer penned a heartwarming caption, “Happy birthday to a true diva—my mom, Patricia Carey! ❤️❤️❤️.”
Mariah Carey’s relationship with her sister, Alison, was equally complicated and filled with pain. In her memoir, the pop icon revealed that, at least for a time, it was emotionally and physically safer for her to avoid contact with both Alison and their brother, Morgan.
Mariah Carey at 1 OAK Nightclub in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 26, 2015 | Source: Getty Images
The distance between them was more than just physical—it was an emotional chasm rooted in years of turmoil. Back in 2016, Alison made a heartfelt plea to Mariah, urging her to mend the rift between them and help save her life.
She expressed her love for Mariah and her desperate need for assistance. This was just months after being brought back from the brink of death. Alison who struggled with drug addiction and was also HIV positive was in desperate need of financial support.
Mariah Carey speaks at a press conference to announce an agreement with Israeli cosmetics brand Premier Dead Sea, in the coastal city of Tel Aviv on June 26, 2017. | Source: Getty Images
In 2015, tragedy struck when she became the victim of a violent home invasion on Long Island, suffering a brain injury and short-term memory loss after an intruder struck her in the head with a baseball bat. Alison’s friend, David recalled how she spent just a month in a medical facility before transitioning to an apartment in Greene County.
Mariah Carey May 01, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images
In 2020, the rift between the two sisters deepened when Alison filed a $1.25 million lawsuit against the pop star, accusing her of defamation. The lawsuit stemmed from allegations made in Mariah’s memoir, where she claimed that Alison had drugged her at the age of 12 and inflicted third-degree burns.
The lawsuit, filed in New York’s Supreme Court, specifically targeted the chapter titled “Dandelion Tea,” and sought compensation for the emotional distress caused by these claims.
Mariah Carey circa 1990. | Source: Getty Images
According to the lawsuit, Alison argued that Mariah’s book made serious accusations without substantial evidence, including allegations that Alison had thrown boiling water on her, given her Valium, and even attempted to “pimp her out.” The outcome of the lawsuit remains unclear, and Mariah’s spokesperson declined to comment on the matter.