Nick Cannon Says He'll 'Never Have a Love' Like His Relationship with Ex-Wife Mariah Carey
Tee/YouTube
Nick Cannon says his ex-wife Mariah Carey will "always be my baby!"
In his Tuesday appearance on The Hottee Talk Show Podcast, the comedian, 41, reveals he's still keeping the door open for the "We Belong Together" singer, 53, in the hopes that they might one day rekindle their romance.
"I guess because I'm a true romantic, I'm a true believer in love and I allow the capsules of love to be where they lie. I'm not a timeline dude," he told host Tee. "I will never have a love like I had with Mariah."
"It was literally like a fairytale with Mariah so I would rather it just be that way. I appreciate that fantasy because if I tried to go back and it wasn't the same, I'd be like, 'Damn, I messed it up,'" he continued, adding, "But, if I had the opportunity, if it could be the way it was, I'm there."
RELATED: Mariah Carey's Twins Get Competitive in Hilarious Fashion Show Video: 'No Kids Were Harmed'
Cannon was previously married to Carey from 2008 to 2016. Together, they share 11-year-old twins Monroe and Moroccan.
Both parties have since moved on with their dating lives. Last June, Cannon welcomed twins Zion Mixolydian and Zillion Heir with Abby De La Rosa. The next month, the comedian had son Zen — who died on Dec. 5 after being diagnosed with brain cancer — with Alyssa Scott.
RELATED: Nick Cannon Says He's 'Not Built for Marriage' After Mariah Carey Divorce: 'Why Would I Go Back?'
He's also dad to 5-year-old Golden "Sagon" and 18-month-old Powerful Queen with Brittany Bell.
Meanwhile, Carey has been in a six-year relationship with boyfriend Bryan Tanaka, which Cannon says he won't get between.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
"The dude is amazing with my kids and we got family gatherings and things together, so I truly respect it," he said. "But come on, that's my fantasy love. That's somebody that I will always love."
Last month, Cannon revealed he hasn't fully given up on the idea of monogamy — despite him not having the best track record when it comes to his previous relationships — during his appearance on the All the Way with Shelley Wade podcast.
RELATED VIDEO: Nick Cannon Drops 'Ode' to Ex-Wife Mariah Carey with New Song 'Alone'
"I'm a hopeless romantic at the end of the day, so I love the concept, I love the ceremony of it," said Cannon. "I've failed miserably so many times at monogamy and relationships, but God ain't done with me. We're gonna figure it out."
When asked what would be the "deciding factor" in tying the knot once more, Cannon replied, "I think as I'm growing, I've probably had a few midlife crises in my life. I'm liking the man that I'm growing into and I feel like someone who will understand me and can stand by me."