Lil Nas X is mourning the death of his mother, Tameka Hill.
The Grammy-winning rapper and singer shared the news on Instagram on 29 August, posting several photos of his mother alongside a short tribute.
“RIP TO THE BADDEST EVER! LOVE U FOREVER MOMMY. this one’s gonna hurt,” he wrote.
Hill’s age and cause of death have not been publicly disclosed.
Lil Nas X Shared A Personal Tribute
The post included a portrait of Hill, a photo of her with Lil Nas X at an event, and an image of the pair together when he was a child.
Lil Nas X, whose real name is Montero Hill, has previously spoken about having a complicated relationship with his mother, but also made clear that there was still love between them.
In a 2020 interview, he said their relationship had been strained by her struggles with addiction.
Despite that history, his latest message was simple and deeply personal.
Fans Offer Their Support
News of Hill’s death prompted an outpouring of support from fans and followers, many sending condolences to the openly gay artist and his family.
Lil Nas X has spent much of his career being highly visible about his identity, using his music and public platform to challenge expectations around Black masculinity, sexuality and queer expression.
For many LGBTQ+ fans, that openness has made him an important figure in contemporary pop culture.
A Difficult Period For The Artist
The loss comes during a year in which Lil Nas X has also spoken openly about his mental health and personal recovery.
Earlier this year, he said he had spent time in treatment and was working with a therapist and psychiatrist after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He said he was doing better and looking forward to a new chapter.
Just days before announcing his mother’s death, he celebrated what he called his “10,000th day alive”.
For now, the focus is firmly on his family and the loss of his mother.
