Just months after announcing the death of his father, Fat Joe is now mourning the loss of his mother.
On Saturday, the Bronx rapper shared the heartbreaking news via Instagram that his beloved mother, Marie Del-Carmen Cartagena, has passed away. In an emotional tribute, Fat Joe honored her memory and reflected on the strength, love, and sacrifices she made for her family.
“This a real one, rest in peace to the woman who brought me in this world,” he wrote. “She didn’t have much but she gave us everything.” Joe described her as a selfless woman with a “heart of gold” who chose to remain in the projects despite his success, out of love for her community. Fondly referring to her as “Ms. Ruby the Terror Squad Queen,” he said she took pride in the entire crew, always asking about members like Remy Ma, DJ Khaled, and Rich.
Joe also shared his belief that his mother died of a broken heart, only months after the death of her husband of 60 years, Ernesto. “My Dad wanted her with him,” he expressed. Despite doing everything he could to keep her going, he felt her spirit longed to be reunited with her soulmate.
The post ended with Joe thanking his extended family for their support, vowing to continue making his mother proud. “Mommy, till I see you again… you were my world, my heart, my everything,” he wrote.
