Nearly four decades into Mariah Carey’s still-vital career, three goals have remained constant for her: to love, heal and uplift.

“I’ve always tried to incorporate messages into my songs like ‘Make It Happen’ and ‘Hero,’ ” says Carey, 56, on a day off from her recent December holiday residency at Las Vegas’ Park MGM. “It’s just an interesting thing to be able to give back in that way. I didn’t grow up with money. And if you grew up like me, it means even more to be able to give back.”

Carey’s long-established commitment to giving back, as well as her prodigious career, will get the spotlight on Jan. 30 when the five-time Grammy Award winner is honored as the 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year. She will join an illustrious circle of prior honorees that includes the Grateful Dead, Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson, Joni Mitchell, Gloria Estefan, Billy Joel and Dolly Parton.

“Mariah Carey’s influence extends far beyond her remarkable artistry,” MusiCares executive director Theresa Wolters said upon the announcement of Carey as Person of the Year. “She has used her platform consistently to provide tangible support to communities, whether through disaster relief, youth empowerment or programs that help those facing barriers to opportunity. Her work exemplifies the values at the heart of MusiCares: creating systems of care that lift people up and ensure music professionals and communities can thrive.”

Read the full Billboard cover story about Mariah Carey, MusiCares’ 2026 Person of the Year, here. The MusiCares Person of the Year gala is on Jan. 30.