The Men Who Captured The Elusive Butterfly: A Deep Dive Into Mariah Carey's Husbands, Exes, And Her Latest 2025 Romance

As of December 2025, Mariah Carey, the iconic "Songbird Supreme," is not currently married, but the state of her love life is anything but quiet. The five-time Grammy winner, who has been married twice, recently made headlines with a reported new romance that has the Lambily buzzing, cementing her status as one of music's most enduring and fascinating figures. This article provides the definitive, up-to-the-minute look at the men who have held the title of "Mariah Carey's husband," her most significant relationships, and the very latest on her dating status in the current year. The curiosity surrounding the men in her life stems from the sheer drama and power dynamics involved in her two high-profile marriages, which spanned the height of her career, from her early '90s debut to her modern-day status as a legendary artist. From the controversial power-couple dynamic with her first husband and music mogul, Tommy Mottola, to the whirlwind, family-focused union with comedian and actor Nick Cannon, each relationship has left an indelible mark on her life and music career.

Mariah Carey: A Full Biography and Relationship Overview

Mariah Carey’s personal life has always been as compelling as her five-octave vocal range. Born in Huntington, New York, her ascent to superstardom is a classic rags-to-riches story, but her romantic journey has been marked by both fairytale weddings and dramatic splits. Understanding her biography is key to understanding the context of her marriages.

• Full Name: Mariah Carey
• Born: March 27, 1969 (Note: Carey often playfully denies her age, famously stating, "I don't acknowledge time.")
• Birthplace: Huntington, New York, U.S.
• Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer, Actress
• Genre: R&B, Pop, Hip Hop, Gospel
• Key Nicknames: The Songbird Supreme, Mimi, Queen of Christmas
• Children: Twins, Moroccan Scott Cannon and Monroe Cannon (born 2011), with ex-husband Nick Cannon.
• Net Worth: Estimated at over $350 million (Varies, but consistently high)
• Marriages: Two—Tommy Mottola (1993–1998) and Nick Cannon (2008–2016).
• Significant Engagements: James Packer (2016, engagement ended before marriage).

The First Husband: Tommy Mottola and The 'Emotional Prison'

Mariah Carey's first marriage was arguably the most formative and controversial of her life. She met Tommy Mottola, then the powerful CEO of Sony Music and Columbia Records, when she was an aspiring singer and he was a music industry titan. The two married in a lavish, estimated $500,000 wedding in 1993, reminiscent of a royal affair. The marriage, which lasted five years, is a period Carey has since described in stark terms, famously calling her mansion with Mottola "Sing Sing" and referring to the relationship as an "emotional prison".

Latest Updates on the Mottola Marriage Dynamic:

• Creative Control: In recent years, Carey has been candid about how Mottola exerted control over her career, claiming he "shot down" her desire to explore more R&B and Hip-Hop influences, forcing her to maintain a strictly pop image. This creative struggle ultimately led to the pivotal *Butterfly* album, released right before their separation, which marked her transition to a more self-directed artist.
• Mottola's Current Life: Tommy Mottola, now 76, remains a force in the entertainment world. He is the Chairman of Mottola Media Group and a Cofounder of Ntertain Studios, continuing his legacy as a powerful music and media executive. He has been married to Mexican singer and actress Thalía since 2000.

The Second Husband: Nick Cannon and The Co-Parenting Chronicles

A decade after her split from Mottola, Mariah Carey married actor, comedian, and television host Nick Cannon in a surprise ceremony in the Bahamas in 2008, after only six weeks of dating. Their union was a stark contrast to her first, characterized by public displays of affection, matching tattoos, and a shared sense of humor. They welcomed their fraternal twins, Moroccan Scott and Monroe (affectionately known as "Roc and Roe"), on their third wedding anniversary in 2011. The couple separated in 2014, and their divorce was finalized in 2016. Despite the split, their relationship has evolved into one of the most amicable co-parenting partnerships in Hollywood.

2025 Updates on Nick Cannon and Co-Parenting:

The dynamic between Carey and Cannon remains a hot topic, especially given Cannon's extensive family (he has 12 children with six different women).

• Mariah's Evasion: In a highly publicized interview in 2025, Carey was asked about co-parenting with Cannon. Her response was notably elusive, stating that "he can just be in his own world" and dodging direct questions about the logistics of their shared parental duties. This comment suggests a boundary-focused, yet functional, arrangement where they prioritize the twins' well-being.
• The Twins' Life: Moroccan and Monroe are often seen with both parents, enjoying lavish holidays and public appearances, highlighting the success of their co-parenting strategy despite the public's fascination with Cannon's personal life.

The Newest Man in Her Life: Is Anderson .Paak Mariah Carey's Future Husband?

Since her split from long-time boyfriend and choreographer Bryan Tanaka in late 2023, the media spotlight has been intensely focused on Mariah's next romance. The latest and most compelling speculation centers on musician and producer Anderson .Paak. The rumors reached a fever pitch in March 2025, providing the freshest update on Mariah's romantic status.

The Anderson .Paak Rumors and 2025 Confirmation:

• iHeartRadio Music Awards Appearance: The pair fueled the dating rumors when .Paak escorted Carey onto the stage at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards to accept her Icon Award. This public display of camaraderie was seen as a significant step.
• Official Status: Multiple sources close to the pair have reportedly confirmed that Mariah Carey and Anderson .Paak are officially a couple, following months of speculation. The relationship is notable for the nearly 20-year age gap, a detail that has sparked considerable media attention, though Carey herself has often dismissed the importance of age in her life.
• A New Vibe: Anderson .Paak, known for his work with Bruno Mars in the duo Silk Sonic, represents a different creative and personal energy than her previous partners, suggesting a new, more creatively aligned chapter for the star.

While Mariah Carey is not currently planning a third wedding, her relationship with Anderson .Paak signifies a vibrant new phase in her life. Having navigated the complexities of a controlling first marriage and a highly publicized second, the "Queen of Christmas" is now focused on her children, her career, and a relationship that appears to be on her own terms, continuing her legacy as a woman who defines her own narrative.