Mariah Carey and her husband Nick Cannon have a "strong bond," his father James Cannon says.

The America's Got Talent host was hospitalised over the holiday for mild kidney failure and James has revealed that the health scare has had a positive effect on the couple's relationship.

James opened up to Us Weekly and said that his son and daughter-in-law were very committed to each other.

"Nick and Mariah have a very strong bond," James told the publication. "If anything, this unexpected illness has made them closer than ever and appreciate one another even more."

"She would stay in the hospital overnight to support him. Nick and Mariah are really good for one another they have so much in common and can make the other one laugh.

"So they managed to cope even though Nick was pretty sick. But he is glad to be home now and his whole family is pleased about that also."

James added that Nick will need to change what he eats going forward to ensure he stays healthy.

"The doctors have ordered him to rest and make some adjustments to his diet too," James added. "It has been an educational process for him, and he is determined to make those changes and stay away from soft drinks and too many sugar-based foods now."