Mariah Carey Parents: Alfred Roy Carey and Patricia Hickey

Her upbringing and family background have been a subject of great interest to her fans and the public alike.

Who are Mariah Carey’s Parents?

Alfred Roy Carey and Patricia Hickey are Mariah Carey’s parents

Patricia Hickey was born on August 20, 1937, in Greenock, Scotland. She later moved to New York, where she met her future husband, Alfred Roy Carey.

Alfred was born on June 4, 1936, in Harlem, New York City. He was of African American and Afro-Venezuelan descent.

Patricia and Alfred met while working at a hospital in New York City.

Patricia and Alfred’s Marriage and Family Life

Patricia and Alfred got married in 1960 and had three children together, Mariah, Alison, and Morgan.

Patricia worked as an opera singer and voice coach, while Alfred worked as an aeronautical engineer.

Their marriage was tumultuous, and they divorced when Mariah was only three years old.

After the divorce, Patricia raised her children as a single mother, often working multiple jobs to make ends meet.

She instilled in her children a strong work ethic and a love for music. Patricia’s musical background greatly influenced Mariah’s career, as she started singing at a young age and eventually pursued a career in music.

Alfred remained a part of Mariah’s life, albeit not as actively involved as Patricia. He struggled with alcoholism and died in 2002 due to complications from cancer.

Mariah Carey’s Relationship with Her Parents

Mariah Carey had a complicated relationship with both of her parents. She was closer to her mother, Patricia, and often spoke about her admiration for her mother’s strength and perseverance.

Mariah was inspired by her mother’s musical talent and has credited her mother with her own vocal abilities.

However, Mariah’s relationship with her father, Alfred, was strained. In her memoir, “The Meaning of Mariah Carey,” Mariah revealed that her father was physically and emotionally abusive towards her mother, which led to their divorce.

Mariah also disclosed that her father’s drinking and infidelity caused a rift between them, and she often felt like an outsider in her own family.

Despite their tumultuous relationship, Mariah has acknowledged her father’s influence on her musical style, citing his love for jazz and R&B as an inspiration for her own music.