Alison Carey, the sister of global pop sensation Mariah Carey, faced a life filled with hardship and struggle. Battling addiction, homelessness, and poverty, Alison’s existence was marred by ongoing challenges, including living in shelters and on the streets. Despite Mariah’s vast wealth and fame, Alison reportedly never received any help from her, and their relationship remained broken due to accusations made by Mariah in the early 1990s. This painful estrangement continued until Alison’s death in 2024, which tragically occurred alongside the passing of their mother.
Alison’s life was plagued by severe adversity. She turned to sex work at an early age and fought a heroin addiction, which she believed contributed to her HIV diagnosis. Her troubles deepened, leading to homelessness and numerous pleas for help that went unanswered by Mariah. A violent home invasion in 2015 left Alison with a traumatic brain injury, yet Mariah reportedly provided no financial support during this period.
By 2020, Alison’s health had significantly worsened. Despite reaching out to various organizations, including the Social Security Administration and Senator Chuck Schumer’s office, she received minimal assistance. Her final days were spent in hospice care, and she passed away at the age of 63. While Mariah publicly acknowledged the deaths of both her sister and mother, she did not express any regret or make mention of attempting to reconcile with Alison.
Alison’s close friend, David Baker, revealed the deep emotional pain she experienced from her estrangement with Mariah, often wondering whether any family members would attend her funeral. Though she had forgiven Mariah, Alison made it clear she had no intention of mending their fractured relationship. Baker described Alison as a kind and sensitive person despite her struggles and expressed criticism toward Mariah for failing to offer support during Alison’s final years.
In her 2020 memoir, Mariah discussed her own traumatic childhood, including painful experiences of betrayal and abuse at the hands of Alison. She recounted efforts to help her sister through rehabilitation but ultimately felt she was unable to repair their broken bond. Mariah’s relationship with her siblings, particularly her brother Morgan, was fraught with resentment, further deepening the family divide.
The tension with her family became a central theme in Mariah’s life. She openly shared the emotional toll of their public criticisms and the tabloid scrutiny she endured. Acknowledging the “ruthless” treatment from her family, Mariah ultimately had to accept that she would never receive the support she had hoped for from them, choosing to prioritize her own mental and emotional well-being over the possibility of reconciliation.