Mariah Carey and Bryan Tanaka, her boyfriend of nearly a decade, have officially announced their separation. Tanaka, who initially started as Carey’s backup dancer and later became her creative director, confirmed the breakup in a heartfelt Instagram post on Tuesday. Speculation about their split arose last month when Tanaka did not accompany Carey on her Merry Christmas One and All! tour.
In his Instagram post, Tanaka expressed mixed emotions as he shared the news of their “amicable separation” after seven extraordinary years together. He emphasized the mutual decision to take different paths and acknowledged the profound respect and gratitude they have for the time they shared. Tanaka praised Carey’s dedication to her family and craft, expressing gratitude for the memories and artistic collaborations etched in his heart.
While Tanaka did not disclose the specific reasons for their split, he requested understanding, privacy, and respect during this sensitive time. He thanked fans for their outpouring of love and support, emphasizing the strength it provides. Tanaka looks forward to continuing his journey, driven by his passion for inspiration, dance, and the creative arts.
Carey and Tanaka’s relationship began when he joined her 2006 The Adventures of Mimi tour as a backup dancer. The singer confirmed their romantic involvement in a 2017 interview with The Associated Press. Despite their public personas, Carey expressed a preference for keeping her personal life private, stating that she and her boyfriend chose not to delve into personal details.
Earlier this year, Tanaka celebrated Carey’s birthday with a heartfelt Instagram tribute, showcasing their enduring connection. The couple had weathered previous challenges, including Carey’s engagement to Australian billionaire James Packer, which ended in 2016.
Carey’s romantic history includes her marriage to music executive Tommy Mottola in 1993, resulting in divorce in 1998. Her subsequent marriage to comedian Nick Cannon in 2008 produced twins before the couple separated in 2014. Carey has been open about her relatively limited number of relationships, describing herself as somewhat of a “prude” compared to others in the entertainment industry.
As Carey and Tanaka navigate this new chapter individually, their breakup marks a significant change in their longstanding connection. The public response has been one of support and encouragement, highlighting the impact Carey and Tanaka have had on each other’s lives and the entertainment industry.
Representatives for Carey and Tanaka have not provided additional comments at this time.