In a candid discussion on the Ray Daniels Presents podcast, TV personality Nick Cannon reflected on the challenges he faced while married to global superstar Mariah Carey, revealing how his insecurities and identity struggles took a toll on their relationship.
Married to Carey in his twenties, Cannon admitted feeling overshadowed by the pop icon’s towering career. “I got married to the biggest star in the world,” he said. “My trajectory was here,” he shared, motioning downward, “and hers—she’s already in a different stratosphere.” He confessed that his ego was affected as he grappled with finding his own footing while living in the orbit of Carey’s extraordinary success.
Cannon humorously described the perks of being “Mariah’s man” but shared that, over time, he began questioning his identity. “She’s got islands, and I’m waking up at noon with people bringing me steaks on a platter,” he joked, before admitting, “I would lay up at night thinking, ‘Is this who I am? Am I Mariah’s man? Is that what my life is supposed to be?’ There’s nothing wrong with it, but…” The insecurities mounted as he struggled with the dynamics in their marriage, especially with the birth of their twins, Moroccan and Monroe, in 2011. Becoming a father illuminated Cannon’s feelings of inadequacy, particularly in what he saw as the “hierarchy” of their family.
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Reflecting on his role as a husband and father, he noted, “I’m carrying a purse, the diaper bag, and standing on the corner waiting, while she’s rocking it as the alpha.” Cannon expressed that while Carey thrived in this role, he recognized he wasn’t the “type” of partner she needed. “I believe she needs a dude like that. I’m just not that dude,” he admitted, though he emphasized that they got along well and rarely argued.
Their marriage, which began in 2008, lasted six years before they announced their separation in 2014. Despite their split, Cannon has been open about his respect and admiration for Carey. In a 2023 interview with The Shade Room, Cannon described Carey as the love of his life, praising her unwavering positivity. “No matter what’s happening in life… that woman is not human. She’s a gift from God,” he said, expressing awe at her ability to rise above negativity.
While Cannon has since fathered ten more children with multiple partners, Carey remains the mother of their two children. Neither has remarried, yet both continue to speak highly of one another, showing mutual respect for the unique connection they shared.
