The Day DMX Died” — His Ex-Wife & Kids Finally Speak Out: The Simmons Family Remembers

In the deeply personal first episode of “X vs. Earl: The Simmons Family Speaks,” Tashera Simmons, ex-wife and only wife of Earl Simmons (better known as DMX), opens up about the day her family learned of his passing.

Alongside their children—Xavier, Sean, Tacoma, and Praise—the Simmons family shares the shock, grief, and confusion that followed the loss of a father, friend, and hip-hop legend.

Tashera recounts the moment she received the devastating call. While watching King Kong at the movies with her children, she was interrupted by a frantic call from Styles P’s wife. The news was grim: “Earl’s on the floor.”

The panic and disbelief were immediate. Styles’s cousin, a detective, was at DMX’s home and confirmed the worst—DMX was found unresponsive. Tashera’s heart dropped as she rushed out of the theater, desperately seeking confirmation. Soon after, DMX’s uncle called with a glimmer of hope: after 30 minutes of resuscitation, a pulse had been restored and DMX was rushed to the hospital.

Gathering her children, Tashera explained what had happened. The family hurried to the hospital, joining the crowd of friends and loved ones already waiting. The atmosphere was heavy—Tashera describes feeling numb, while DMX’s uncle broke down, revealing that DMX was brain dead and had simply been gone for too long. The pain was palpable, but so was the anger.

Tashera looked around at the people crying, frustrated by those who had enabled DMX’s struggles with addiction. She admits she may have enabled him in her own way, not with drugs, but through love and comfort.

The children recall their own reactions. Xavier remembers feeling detached, not fully processing the gravity of the situation. Tacoma reflects on previous scares, hoping his father would finally overcome his demons.

Praise and Sean felt the weight of the moment, standing like soldiers beside their mother. The family’s grief was complicated by the knowledge that DMX had faced similar scares before, always fighting but never quite escaping.

Ultimately, the decision was made to remove DMX from life support. Tashera remembers the heartbreak: “You weren’t supposed to leave yet. You had so much unfinished business.” When she saw him on the table, words failed her. Yet, she believes DMX was ready, that he made peace with his journey. “My vessel is tired, but my words will live on forever,” he had told her days before his passing.

DMX’s death at age 50, following a heart attack related to a drug overdose, marked the end of an era. The Simmons family lost more than a celebrity—they lost a father, a best friend, a piece of their soul. Tashera believes the industry failed DMX, exploiting his talent while neglecting his need for help. His passing, she says, ended an era of hiding pain and avoiding conversations about mental illness.

Now, the Simmons family is committed to creating a culture of vulnerability and acceptance. They want the world to see DMX not just as the hard-edged rapper, but as a man full of rage, glory, and deep emotion. Xavier, speaking for the family, says, “I am the strong man you created. I have a voice, just like you, and I can use it.”

Their mission is clear: to honor DMX’s true legacy, embracing all facets of his humanity and showing the world the real Earl Simmons. Through their pain, the Simmons family hopes to inspire healing and honesty, ensuring that DMX’s voice—and his story—will live on forever.