Eminem has once again opened up about his deep bond with his daughter Hailie Jade Scott, this time through a powerful new track titled Temporary, featured on his latest album The Death of Slim Shady, released on July 13. The emotional song serves as a tribute to his 28-year-old daughter, touching on themes of love, legacy, and the fear of unspoken words.
From the outset, the lyrics offer a raw and vulnerable look at the rapper’s inner thoughts. In the opening lines, Eminem addresses a profound fear—not death itself, but the idea of not having the chance to express everything he wants to say to his daughter before he’s gone. “A lot of people ask me, am I afraid of death?” he raps. “The truth is, I think what scares me the most is not being able to say all the things I wanna say to you when I’m no longer here.”
He makes it clear that the track is intended for Hailie, a message for the future when he might not be around physically. Despite the sombre tone, the song is filled with love and reassurance. “And, sweetie, be strong, I know I was your rock,” Eminem says in one of the verses. “And I still am, saying goodbye is just not / Ever easy, why you crying? Just stop / Hailie, baby, dry your eye, this is not forever.”
The 51-year-old artist has long been vocal about his relationship with Hailie, famously dedicating earlier tracks such as Hailie’s Song and Mockingbird to her. But Temporary takes a more reflective and mature tone, contemplating the impact he hopes to leave on her life even after he’s gone.
Eminem shares two other children, Alaina, 31, and Stevie, 22, with ex-partner Kim Scott, but Hailie has often taken centre stage in his music. In addition to lyrical tributes, Eminem continues to show up in his daughter’s life in more personal ways. Just this past May, he was by her side during a significant milestone—her wedding to longtime partner Evan McClintock.
The private ceremony was filled with emotion, and Hailie later shared just how meaningful the day was. Reflecting on the event, she wrote on social media, “So, so many happy tears were shed.” She described the wedding as a celebration full of “laughs & smiles” and emphasised how deeply grateful she and Evan felt to have their loved ones present. “We’re so thankful for all of the family & friends that travelled to support us and be a part of this new chapter in our lives as husband & wife,” she added.
Through both his music and his actions, Eminem continues to make it clear that his love for his daughter remains a guiding force in his life. Temporary stands not just as another track in his catalogue, but as a deeply personal letter from a father to his daughter—one that fans and families alike can feel the weight of.
