Mariah Carey and Bryan Tanaka have ended their relationship after seven years, as confirmed by Tanaka on Tuesday.
In a statement, Tanaka, who transitioned from Carey’s backup dancer to her creative director and partner, announced their separation.
“With mixed emotions, I’m sharing this personal update about my amicable separation from Mariah Carey after seven incredible years together,” he wrote.
“Our decision to go our separate ways is mutual, and as we each go on our own paths, we do so with deep respect and immense gratitude for the time we’ve shared.
The memories and artistic collaborations we’ve created will forever hold a special place in my heart.”
“I look forward to continuing my journey, confident that my passion for inspiration, dance, and the creative arts will guide me in the next chapters,” he added.
Tanaka and Carey first crossed paths in 2006 when Tanaka joined her The Adventures of Mimi tour as a backup dancer.
The “All I Want for Christmas Is You” singer first confirmed their relationship in 2017 during an interview.
“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,” she said at the time, smiling.
“I just don’t feel comfortable talking about my personal life. … Me and my boyfriend don’t want to do that.”
Speculation about their breakup began last month when fans noticed Tanaka was absent from Carey’s Merry Christmas One and All! tour.