The Men Of Mimi: A Deep Dive Into Mariah Carey's Two Husbands, Recent Split, And New Romance Rumors (Updated 2025)

Mariah Carey is not currently married, but the legendary songstress has had one of the most talked-about and dramatic love lives in modern music history, including two high-profile marriages to powerful men in the entertainment industry. As of late 2023, the 'Queen of Christmas' ended her long-term relationship with choreographer Bryan Tanaka, a split that has since paved the way for fresh speculation about her romantic future in 2025. Her journey through matrimony and high-profile dating offers a fascinating look at the men who have stood beside—or sometimes tried to control—one of the world's biggest stars. The current date is December 12, 2025, and while a new "husband" is not on the scene, recent headlines have been dominated by the amicable co-parenting dynamic with her second ex-husband and swirling rumors about a new A-list musical collaborator-turned-potential-partner. This article provides the most up-to-date look at the two men who hold the title of ex-husband, the recent breakup that defined her late 2023, and the new romance that has the Lambs buzzing in 2025.

The Complete Biography Profile of Mariah Carey's Ex-Husbands

Mariah Carey has been married twice. Her two marriages were vastly different in circumstance, age gap, and public perception, but both men played significant roles in her personal and professional life.

1. Tommy Mottola

• Full Name: Thomas "Tommy" Daniel Mottola
• Born: July 14, 1949
• Profession: American music executive, former Chairman and CEO of Sony Music Entertainment, co-founder of Casablanca Records.
• Marriage Dates to Mariah: June 5, 1993 – March 5, 1998 (Separated 1997, Divorced 1998)
• Key Context: Mottola discovered Mariah Carey when she was a young, aspiring singer and signed her to Columbia Records (a Sony Music label). He was 21 years her senior. Their relationship and marriage were widely characterized by Carey as controlling and restrictive, a sentiment she has recently reiterated.
• Current Life: Mottola is currently married to Mexican singer and actress Thalía, whom he married in 2000. He remains active in the music and entertainment business.

2. Nick Cannon

• Full Name: Nicholas "Nick" Scott Cannon
• Born: October 8, 1980
• Profession: American television host, rapper, actor, comedian, and producer. Known for hosting *Wild 'n Out* and *The Masked Singer*.
• Marriage Dates to Mariah: April 30, 2008 – 2016 (Filed for divorce 2014, Finalized 2016)
• Children: Twins, Moroccan Scott and Monroe Cannon ("Roc and Roe"), born April 30, 2011.
• Key Context: Their marriage was a whirlwind romance, culminating in a surprise wedding after only a few weeks of dating. Despite their divorce, their relationship remains famously amicable, focused on co-parenting their two children.
• Current Life: Nick Cannon is known for his extensive family, having welcomed multiple children with several women in recent years. He continues to be a dominant figure in television and media.

The Turbulent Legacy of Tommy Mottola: Why Mariah Still Feels 'Angry' in 2025

The marriage between Mariah Carey and Tommy Mottola is often described as a gilded cage, a period of immense professional success overshadowed by personal confinement. Even decades later, Carey is still opening up about the lingering emotional fallout. In interviews as recent as 2025, the superstar has revealed that she continues to feel "angry" when reflecting on her first marriage. She has consistently described the relationship as controlling, painting a picture of an isolated life in their mansion, which she famously dubbed "Sing Sing." Her recent reflections underscore the lasting impact of that time, where she felt stifled both creatively and personally by the music mogul who was also her husband. Carey’s candidness in 2025 about the trauma and her "coping mechanism" to deal with the residual anger demonstrates that this chapter of her life remains a significant, albeit painful, entity in her personal narrative. This ongoing discussion proves that the story of Mariah and Tommy is more than just a footnote; it’s a foundational element of her resilience and artistry.

Co-Parenting Goals: The Amicable Dynamic with Ex-Husband Nick Cannon

In stark contrast to her first marriage, Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon have cultivated a remarkably successful co-parenting relationship. Despite their 2016 divorce, the two prioritize the well-being of their fraternal twins, Moroccan and Monroe. The former couple, affectionately known as "Roc and Roe," frequently spend holidays and family time together, showcasing a united front for their children. Recent updates in 2025 continue to highlight their commitment to this friendly dynamic. Carey has spoken publicly about the importance of ensuring the children transition peacefully between homes and that she and Cannon have "done pretty well" in managing their post-divorce relationship. Cannon, too, has praised Carey, often referring to her as his "best friend" and the "greatest woman he's ever met." This mature and consistent approach to co-parenting is a model for celebrity exes and a key reason why their split remains one of the most positive in Hollywood history.

The Latest 2025 Relationship Update: The Split from Bryan Tanaka and Anderson .Paak Rumors

For seven years, Mariah Carey's primary partner was her choreographer and backup dancer, Bryan Tanaka. Their romance, which began following her broken engagement to billionaire James Packer, was a long-term fixture in her life. However, in late 2023, Tanaka confirmed on Instagram that he and Carey had separated, calling the split "amicable." The end of the seven-year relationship marked a new single chapter for the star. The most exciting and fresh development in 2025 is the persistent rumor mill linking Mariah Carey to Grammy-winning artist Anderson .Paak. The speculation gained significant traction in March 2025 when Paak escorted Carey onto the stage at the iHeartRadio Music Awards to accept the Icon Award. The pair's chemistry and multiple subsequent public appearances together have fueled reports that they are officially a couple. While neither party has publicly confirmed a committed relationship, the potential pairing of two musical icons—one a legendary diva and the other a critically acclaimed rapper/producer—has captivated fans and media alike.

Other Significant Relationships in Mariah's History

While Tommy Mottola and Nick Cannon are her only ex-husbands, Mariah's romantic history includes other notable figures that contributed to her personal narrative:

• Derek Jeter (1997-1998): Her brief, secretive romance with the baseball legend was a pivotal moment, occurring just as she was separating from Mottola. It was a relationship that symbolized her newfound freedom, inspiring songs like "The Roof."
• Luis Miguel (1998-2001): A passionate, three-year relationship with the legendary Mexican singer, which was a high-profile pairing of two global superstars.
• James Packer (2015-2016): The Australian billionaire proposed to Carey with a massive 35-carat diamond ring. Their engagement was short-lived, but the dramatic fallout was captured on her reality show, *Mariah's World*, and dominated headlines at the time.

In summary, Mariah Carey's romantic life is a tapestry woven with powerful ex-husbands, dramatic splits, and enduring friendships. While she currently remains unmarried, her history and the ongoing 2025 rumors about Anderson .Paak prove that the world will always be watching to see who the next leading man in the life of the elusive chanteuse will be.