THE co-writer of Mariah Carey’s smash hit All I Want For Christmas has revealed what he did with the money from the iconic song.

Brazilian musician Walter Afanasieff, 66, worked with superstar Mariah from 1990 to 1997 and their smash hit continues to top the festive charts each year.

Carey has celebrated 30 years of her chart smash Credit: Instagram

The producer has purchased a decadent comedy lounge with his wife Credit: Instagram
The Grammy-winning music producer and songwriter – who initially thought the song was ‘no big deal’ – is responsible for classic hits including Mariah’s Hero, One Sweet Day as well as the festive favourite.

Afanasieff married comedian Katie Cazorla in 2017 after being introduced to her at his birthday party by Savage Garden frontman Darren Hayes.

Cazorla’s dream was to own and run a comedy club, so with the festive pay cheque from the infamous song, he made her wish come true.

The Hollywood-based pair found an abandoned steakhouse and transformed it into the decadent Kookaburra Lounge.

The comedy and music lounge sits in the heart of Hollywood with neighbours like The Dolby, Disney’s El Capitan, Mann’s Chinese and Jimmy Kimmel Live.

Having just opened earlier this year, it’s already housed big comedy names including Tiffany Haddish and Nikki Glaser.

All I Want For Christmas has consistently broken records to become one of the most enduring anthems ever.

Mariah, 55, and Walter’s 1994 hit is in the running once again this year.

The song initially peaked at No2 on its release in 1994, but has appeared in the Top 40 every year since 2007 and reached No1 in 2020.

Incredibly, Mariah and Walter wrote the song in 15 minutes.
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According to the New York Post, Mariah rakes in over $3 million per year from the song.

Meanwhile, a report from Billboard noted that in 2022 alone, the track made $5.3 million for the master recording version and another $3.2 million for the publishing royalties, totalling $8.5 million in revenue.

A study by the Economist found the song has provided Mariah with $60 million between its inception and 2016.

Speaking in 2021 Mariah said: “When I wrote [it], I had absolutely no idea the impact the song would eventually have worldwide.

“I’m so full of gratitude that so many people enjoy it with me every year.”

Sadly, the Fantasy singer issued a statement earlier in the year revealing she had lost two loved ones in “a tragic turn of events”.

On August 26, 2024, Mariah revealed to People that her mum Patricia and sister Alison died on the same day.

“My heart is broken that I’ve lost my mother this past weekend,” she started.

“Sadly, in a tragic turn of events, my sister lost her life on the same day.

“I feel blessed that I was able to spend the last week with my mum before she passed.”

“I appreciate everyone’s love and support and respect for my privacy during this impossible time,” she concluded.

Comic Katie and Walter have been married since 2017 Credit: Instagram

The producer purchased the Hollywood venue and turned it into a lounge bar Credit: Instagram

They found the abandoned steakhouse nestled near the Dolby Theatre Credit: Google