Mariah Carey Addresses Anderson .Paak Romance, Nick Cannon Co-Parenting, and Grief Over Mother’s Death
NEW YORK – Mariah Carey clarified the nature of her relationship with Anderson .Paak, confirming she initiated contact with the musician and downplaying dating rumors, during a recent interview with Gayle King. The conversation, part of promotion for Carey’s new album Here for it all, also touched on her co-parenting dynamic with Nick Cannon and the enduring pain of losing her mother.
Carey’s new album, her 16th studio release arriving Friday (Sept. 26), features production from Anderson .paak, who also appears on the track “Play This Song.” The pair sparked speculation about a romantic connection after being photographed holding hands in Aspen around Christmastime last year. Carey addressed the photos directly,stating,”He just likes to hold my hand,” and describing their connection as “something special” without further defining it. She revealed she was the one who first reached out to .Paak, calling him “brilliant.”
The interview also provided insight into Carey’s relationship with ex-husband Nick Cannon, with whom she shares twins Moroccan and Monroe. Married for six years before their 2014 split, the pair now focus on co-parenting. Carey explained she prefers not to discuss Cannon publicly, stating, “I kind of feel like it’s best if I don’t talk about him, as he can just be in his own world,” adding, “No offense to him.”
Carey also opened up about the continued grief she experiences following the death of her mother, Patricia Carey. While details were not specified, the conversation highlighted the lasting impact of her mother’s loss on her life and work.
Here for It All marks Carey’s first album release in seven years.
