Mariah Carey’s ex Bryan Tanaka confirms 'amicable' split from singer
Mariah Carey's ex-boyfriend Bryan Tanaka has confirmed their split on social media.
In an Instagram post, Bryan, the pop icon's backup dancer-turned-creative director, announced the "amicable" separation on Wednesday, Dec. 27. He said that their decision to embark on different paths is "mutual," with "profound respect" and a "sense of gratitude."
"Dear friends and fans, with mixed emotions, I share this personal update regarding my amicable separation from Mariah Carey after seven extraordinary years together," he began.
"Our decision to embark on different paths is mutual, and as we navigate these separate journeys, we do so with profound respect and an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the invaluable time we've shared. The memories we've created and the artistic collaborations are etched in my heart forever," Bryan continued.
The creative director also appreciated the Grammy Award-winning songstress, saying her "dedication to her family and her commitment to her craft" inspired the former. He also thanked Mariah's children for their "warmth and kindness."
"I want to express my love and appreciation for Mariah and her incredible children, whose warmth and kindness have enriched my life in ways words cannot capture."
The dancer then asked for understanding, privacy, and respect from their fans towards this separation.
"During this sensitive time, I kindly ask for your understanding, privacy, and respect," Bryan wrote. "The outpouring of love and support from fans has been a beacon of strength, and I am extremely grateful for the encouragement that continues to uplift me. I eagerly anticipate continuing my journey, knowing my passion for inspiration, dance, and the creative arts will resonate in the unfolding chapters."
The reason for the couple's split has not been disclosed in the post. However, a source exclusively reported to Page Six that the two decided to call it off because Bryan wanted kids of their own, while Mariah seemingly did not want to.
"He wants to have a family. That's not where she is at," the source said, adding that their 14-year age gap was a significant factor for their differences. Bryan is 40, while Mariah is 54.
In case you don't know, Mariah shares her twins, Moroccan and Monroe, with her ex-husband, Nick Cannon. Bryan, meanwhile, does not have a child of his own.
Breakup rumors sparked between the two after eagle-eyed fans noticed Bryan was absent from the Songbird Supreme's Merry Christmas One and All! Tour that kicked off in November and ended on Dec. 15. This marks the first time that the two did not travel together, especially during holidays.
In 2006, Bryan and Mariah worked together professionally during the latter's "Adventures of Mimi" tour. They started dating in 2016 after Mariah broke up with then-fiancé James Packer.
A year later, they broke up in 2017 but immediately got back again. They have since been active in sharing their life happenings as a couple, including their annual holiday trip to Aspen, special appearances in shows, and special personal occasions.