Childhood and Education Journey of Mariah Carey in Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Mariah Carey, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Mariah Carey is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress, often referred to as the "Songbird Supreme." She is celebrated for her impressive five-octave vocal range, her melismatic style of singing, and her distinctive use of the whistle register. Carey is also recognized for her influential presence in popular culture. In 2023, Rolling Stone ranked her as the fifth-greatest singer of all time, solidifying her status as a significant figure in music history.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1951: Inspiration for Mariah's Name

In 1951, the song "They Call the Wind Maria" from the Broadway musical Paint Your Wagon inspired Mariah Carey's name.

March 27, 1969: Mariah Carey's Birth

On March 27, 1969, Mariah Carey was born in New York.

Others born on this day/year

1970: "I'll Be There" Original Release

In 1970, The Jackson 5 originally released the song "I'll Be There", which Mariah Carey would later cover on MTV Unplugged.

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1987: Graduation from Harborfields High School

In 1987, Mariah Carey graduated from Harborfields High School in Greenlawn, New York.

June 5, 1993: Marriage to Tommy Mottola

On June 5, 1993, Mariah Carey married Tommy Mottola.

December 1996: Separation from Tommy Mottola

In December 1996, Mariah Carey and Tommy Mottola separated due to creative differences and his controlling nature.

May 30, 1997: Public announcement of separation

On May 30, 1997, Mariah Carey and Tommy Mottola publicly announced their separation.

1997: Adoption of Hip Hop-Inflected Sounds

In 1997, Mariah Carey adopted a new image with hip hop-inflected sounds, embraced on Butterfly.

1997: Relationship with Derek Jeter

In 1997, Mariah Carey began a relationship with baseball player Derek Jeter.

March 4, 1998: Divorce from Tommy Mottola

On March 4, 1998, Mariah Carey and Tommy Mottola's divorce was finalized.

1998: Relationship with Derek Jeter

In 1998, Mariah Carey continued her relationship with baseball player Derek Jeter. She also began a relationship with Luis Miguel.

1999: Former home burned down

In 1999, the home that Mariah Carey and Tommy Mottola sold to Nelson Peltz burned down.

July 2001: Mariah Carey's Public Breakdown and Hospitalization

In July 2001, Mariah Carey experienced a physical and emotional breakdown, marked by erratic behavior and disturbing online posts. Following a surprise appearance on MTV's Total Request Live (TRL) on July 19th, she was hospitalized on July 26th due to exhaustion and the breakdown, remaining under doctor's care for two weeks.

2001: Diagnosis of bipolar II disorder

In 2001, Mariah Carey was diagnosed with bipolar II disorder but initially kept the diagnosis private.

2001: End of relationship with Luis Miguel

In 2001, Mariah Carey's relationship with singer Luis Miguel ended.

2006: Carey's Statements on Faith

In 2006, Mariah Carey stated that she felt "born again" and emphasized the importance of her relationship with God and private prayer.

April 2008: Began dating Nick Cannon

In April 2008, Mariah Carey began dating actor and comedian Nick Cannon while filming the music video for "Bye Bye" together.

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April 30, 2008: Marriage to Nick Cannon

On April 30, 2008, Mariah Carey married Nick Cannon in the Bahamas.

April 30, 2011: Birth of twins

On April 30, 2011, at 35 weeks into her pregnancy, Mariah Carey gave birth to fraternal twins via caesarean section.

Others born on this day/year

August 2014: Separation from Nick Cannon

In August 2014, Nick Cannon confirmed that he and Mariah Carey had separated.

December 12, 2014: Nick Cannon files for divorce

On December 12, 2014, Nick Cannon filed for divorce from Mariah Carey.

2015: Began dating James Packer

In 2015, Mariah Carey began dating Australian billionaire James Packer.

January 21, 2016: Announced engagement to James Packer

On January 21, 2016, Mariah Carey announced her engagement to Australian billionaire James Packer.

October 2016: Called off engagement to James Packer and began dating Bryan Tanaka

In October 2016, Mariah Carey and James Packer called off their engagement. In the same month, she began dating American choreographer Bryan Tanaka.

2016: Divorce from Nick Cannon finalized

In 2016, Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon's divorce was finalized.

April 2018: Opened up about bipolar II disorder diagnosis

In April 2018, Mariah Carey opened up about her struggle with bipolar II disorder, taking therapy sessions and medication after being diagnosed in 2001.

2020: Chick Album Vocal Credits Revealed

In 2020, Mariah Carey's secret contributions to the album "Someone's Ugly Daughter" by Chick were revealed. She had written, produced, provided vocals and art direction for the album in September 1995, but her vocals were masked at the time due to record label concerns.

December 26, 2023: Break up with Bryan Tanaka

On December 26, 2023, Bryan Tanaka confirmed that he and Mariah Carey had parted ways after seven years of dating.

2025: Pink jacket sold at auction for GLAAD

In 2025, a pink jacket worn by Mariah Carey during Brighton Pride earlier that year, with the slogan "Protect the Dolls" written on the back, was sold for $5,500 at auction, with the profits going to GLAAD's Transgender Media Program.