On Tuesday (Dec. 26), the backup dancer, 40, shared a lengthy statement on social media about the couple’s split, which he says was a “mutual” decision between them.
“Dear friends and fans, with mixed emotions, I share this personal update regarding my amicable separation from Mariah Carey after seven extraordinary years together,” Tanaka begins the message on Instagram. “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 are etched in my heart forever.”
Carey, 54, and Tanaka began working together in 2006 when he appeared as a member of the iconic singer-songwriter’s Adventures of Mimi tour. She confirmed the relationship in an Associated Press interview in February 2017, after she called him her “boyfriend.” Their affair also played out on Carey’s E! reality series Mariah’s World. They started dating in the wake of Carey’s split with her ex-fiancé, Australian businessman James Packer.
Speculation about the couple’s split began after Tanaka had been absent from the “All I Want For Christmas Is You” singer’s Merry Christmas One and All! tour in mid-November, People reports. The publication also noted that he wasn’t celebrating the holidays with Carey, as he usually does, in Aspen, Colo.
“Mariah’s dedication to her family and her commitment to her craft have inspired us during out journey,” Tanaka continued in his statement. “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 added, “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. I eagerly anticipate continuing my journey, knowing my passion for inspiration, dance and the creative arts will resonate in the unfolding chapters.”