Mariah Carey Shares Throwback Photo with Mom Patricia to Honor Her on the Second Anniversary of Her Death

Mariah Carey is paying tribute to her late mother, Patricia, as she marks the second anniversary of her passing. On 24 August 2026, the renowned singer shared a nostalgic photograph of herself with her mother, who died in 2024 at the age of 87. In the touching post, Carey reflected on their relationship, expressing her ongoing sense of loss.

The image shared on Instagram, featuring a young Mariah alongside her mother, shows a moment of warmth with Patricia donning a green-patterned turtleneck, while her daughter, who was still a child at the time, appeared to be enjoying a snack. Accompanying the heartfelt photograph, Carey wrote simply, “Missing you ❤️.”

Patricia Hickey, Mariah’s mother, was no stranger to the spotlight herself. An accomplished opera singer, she honed her craft at the Juilliard School of Music before moving on to perform with the New York City Opera at Lincoln Center. Patricia’s life saw her marry Mariah’s father, Alfred Carey, in 1960. However, their marriage was fraught with difficulties, and the couple divorced when Mariah was just three years old.

In her 2020 memoir, “The Meaning of Mariah Carey,” the pop icon detailed the turbulent dynamics of her relationship with her mother. She described their connection as one marked by both love and conflict, noting that her mother faced criticism from her own family for marrying a Black man—a factor that complicated their lives significantly. At the time of Patricia’s death, Mariah revealed that both her mother and her sister Alison had passed away on the same tragic day, 27 August 2024.

“My heart is broken that I’ve lost my mother this past weekend,” Carey stated in a heartfelt message shared with PEOPLE shortly after the news broke. She added, “Sadly, in a tragic turn of events, my sister lost her life on the same day.” Mariah expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity to spend meaningful time with her mother in her final days, emphasising the extraordinary complexity of their relationship.

Throughout her memoir, Mariah endeavours to portray her mother not only in a personal light but also within the broader context of love and pain. She wrote, “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.” This dedication reflects Mariah’s intricate feelings towards Patricia, which she characterised as a blend of admiration, disappointment, and longing.

Mariah went on to illustrate how their turbulent exchanges stayed with her long after she surpassed her mother’s achievements. “You should only hope that one day you become half the singer I am,” Patricia reportedly told her as a child—a statement that surprisingly haunted the award-winning musician into adulthood.

In an appearance on CBS Mornings in 2025, Mariah disclosed that she had managed to reconcile with her mother before Patricia’s passing. “She said a lot of things that were very healing for what I needed. And I felt like that was the right thing to do,” Carey remarked, indicating a shift in their relationship.

Tragically, familial strife persisted beyond Patricia’s death. During this difficult period, Mariah found herself estranged from her sister Alison, who had sued her over the contents of the memoir shortly before her passing. Alison’s death, alongside that of their mother, left an indelible mark on Mariah, further complicating her family narrative.

As Mariah Carey continues to navigate her complex familial relationships, her honouring of Patricia’s memory serves as a reminder of the love that can coexist with pain. In her reflection, Carey not only pays homage to her mother but also offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of her life—a life filled with both triumph and heartache.