Pop icon Mariah Carey and her longtime boyfriend, dancer Bryan Tanaka, have called it quits after seven years together, Tanaka confirmed in a social media post this week.
A Whirlwind Romance
Carey, 53, and Tanaka, 39, first met in 2006 when Tanaka began dancing backup on Carey’s Adventures of Mimi tour. Their relationship turned romantic in 2016 after Carey separated from her then-fiancé James Packer.
“After much thought and consideration, we have mutually decided to go our separate ways,” Tanaka wrote on Instagram on December 26th. “We will forever have deep love and respect for each other. Thank you all for allowing us our privacy during this time.”
While Tanaka’s post marked the first public confirmation of the split, breakup rumors had been swirling for months.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 2022 | Carey and Tanaka make last public appearance together at the 2022 Gold Gala in Los Angeles |
| December 2022 | Carey vacations solo in Aspen, fueling split speculation |
The pair had seemed blissfully happy in past years, with Tanaka telling People in 2019 that their relationship worked so well because “we understand each other.”
But sources say Tanaka had been ready to settle down and start a family, while Carey wasn’t looking to have more kids. “He’s ready for marriage and kids and she’s just not there,” an insider told Page Six.
Carey Focuses on Her Career
In the wake of the breakup news, the elusive chanteuse has continued about her business, seemingly unfazed by the split. On December 23rd, just three days before Tanaka’s announcement, Carey was photographed shopping and dining out in Aspen, Colorado sporting a chic winter white ensemble.
“Mariah looked amazing and perfectly styled in a gorgeous white puffer coat and matching miniskirt,” an onlooker told Harper’s Bazaar. “She seemed totally unbothered by rumors of a split from Bryan and was smiling and laughing with friends.”
Indeed, Carey has no shortage of things to smile about career-wise. Her iconic holiday hit, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” just marked its 26th year topping the charts, a feat Carey happily highlighted on social media as Tanaka’s split statement made headlines. With over $75 million in royalties earned, the cheerful Christmas anthem remains Carey’s biggest moneymaker – bringing her more annual income than any of her other top charting songs.
What’s Next for the former Couple?
At 53, Carey shows no signs of slowing down her packed performance schedule, recently announcing a spring 2023 tour across Europe and the UK. “She has a very active career that takes up most of her time,” a friend of Carey’s told E! News. “She focuses mostly on work and being a mom.”
As for Tanaka, he continues working as a creative director and backup dancer. This spring, he’s set to join Carey’s ex Nick Cannon on his Wild ‘N Out comedy tour.
While their romantic relationship appears over, don’t expect any bad blood between the former lovebirds.
“Mariah and Bryan have amazing chemistry together and a genuine affection for each other,” says Hollywood Life’s Bonnie Fuller. “It’s very possible down the line they could reconcile.”
Only time will tell what the future may hold. But one thing’s for certain – this likely won’t be the last we hear of Mariah Carey’s legendary love life.
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