Mariah Carey Opens Up About ‘New Year, New Beginnings’ Following Split From Longtime Boyfriend Bryan Tanaka

With a fresh start in mind, Mariah Carey ushered in the new year in style. The “Always Be My Baby” singer and style icon, 54, took to Instagram to share a photo that showcased her wearing a sparkling silver long-sleeved minidress from Retrofête and clutching a matching star-shaped balloon.

The snapshot and its caption was a bold statement following recent rumors about the Grammy winner’s separation from longtime boyfriend, dancer Bryan Tanaka.

Mariah Carey Alludes To Bryan Tanaka Split In New Instagram Post

Last week, Tanaka, 40, officially confirmed their split after seven years together, making Carey’s post a poignant symbol of a new chapter in her life.

“New year, new beginnings..,” Carey wrote for her 13.2 million followers, also adding that the pic was taken “from my ‘bad side!'” Of course, fans disagreed, stressing in the comment section just how “stunning” the mom of two looked and how she “truly doesn’t have” a bad side. (We agree!)

Carey’s eagerness to explore new experiences followed her breakup with Tanaka. Tanaka’s absence from Carey’s “Merry Christmas One and All!” tour in November led to rumors of a split. During the holidays, Carey was also notably seen in Aspen, Colorado without Tanaka for the first time in years.

In a heartfelt December 26, 2023 post on Instagram, Tanaka responded to the rumors and announced that the couple had ended their relationship. "With mixed emotions, I share this personal update regarding my amicable separation from Mariah Carey after seven extraordinary years together," he wrote in his caption.

Tanaka added: "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 etched into my heart forever."  

He continued, gushing about the "We Belong Together" hitmaker: "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."

Tanaka then thanked fans for their kind words and support before concluding his note: "I eagerly anticipate continuing my journey, knowing my passion for inspiration, dance and the creative arts will resonate in the unfolding chapters."

Carey and Tanaka first collaborated professionally in 2006 and after her split with James Packer in 2016, they began a romantic relationship. They briefly broke up after five months of dating, but soon got back together.

Although Carey hasn't responded to Tanaka's comments or confirmed the split with her own Instagram followers, fans think she looks as gorg and stylish as always, unfazed.