Mariah Carey’s longtime boyfriend, Bryan Tanaka, has broken his silence following their split after seven years together.
“Dear friends and fans,” the dancer and choreographer began in a lengthy and emotional Instagram post on Tuesday. “With mixed emotions, I share this personal update regarding my amicable separation from Mariah Carey after seven extraordinary years together.
“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,” he continued. “The memories we created and the artistic collaborations are etched in my heart forever.”
Tanaka, 40, who is 14 years younger than Carey, allegedly split from the singer earlier this month.
“He wants to have a family,” a source exclusively told Page Six. “That’s not where she is at.”
Tanaka, who does not have any children of his own, mentioned Carey’s children, 12-year-old twins Moroccan and Monroe with her ex-husband Nick Cannon, in his statement.
“Mariah‘s dedication to her family and her commitment to her craft have inspired us during our shared journey. 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,” he continued.
“During this sensitive time, I kindly ask for your understanding, privacy and respect. 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.”
He concluded: “I eagerly anticipate continuing my journey, knowing my passion for inspiration, dance, and the creative arts will resonate in the unfolding chapters. With #MuchLove and gratitude Bryan Tanaka.”
Tanaka and the Grammy-winning singer met when he was hired as her dancer in 2006 on her Adventures of Mimi tour. The couple began dating a decade later in 2016.
The “Honey” singer confirmed her relationship with Tanaka during an interview with the Associated Press, in which she said, “I’m just going to be like, ‘I really don’t talk about my personal life.’ Because that’s what I used to do, and it really worked for a minute, back, a while ago. I just don’t feel comfortable talking about my personal life … Me and my boyfriend don’t want to do that.”
Rumors of a split were fueled when Carey embarked on her Merry Christmas One and All! tour in mid-November without Tanaka present at any of the shows. He also didn’t accompany Carey on her annual holiday trip to Aspen with her children after spending Christmas together in 2022.
“He wants to start having his own life,” another source told Page Six of the split.
Earlier this month, Carey told People that she had an unexceptional year.
“I’ve been looking forward to this Christmas for, like, the whole year,” she revealed. “Since last year — because last year wasn’t the greatest. I’m thankful for them all, but it wasn’t my most fun version of Christmas ever.”