Nick Cannon has a big, blended family. The TV personality sadly announced on December 7, 2021, that his youngest child, Zen, died due to a brain tumor. Less than two months later, Nick surprised fans with the news that he has baby No. 8 on the way with model Bre Tiesi.
“This was always in the back of my mind, like, ‘What is the right time? How do I share this?'” he explained on the January 31, 2022, episode of The Nick Cannon Show. “I wanted to definitely respect the grieving process with Alyssa, and Bre was respectful enough — she held off making our announcements and speaking on social media.” The day prior, photos emerged of the two attending a gender reveal party, where guests learned that Nick and Bre are expecting a baby boy.
Model Alyssa Scott, with whom he shared son Zen, said she was not going to “judge” the fact that Nick already has another baby on the way so soon after their five-month-old son’s death. “It is painful having my son be a part of conversations that aren’t in alignment with his light and legacy. It isn’t something I chose for him or myself,” she said in an Instagram statement.
She continued, “It’s important for me to let you all know. I am centered, I am at peace. I look at everyone’s predicament with loving eyes. I will not judge. I will consciously decide what I will participate in.”
Zen was Nick’s seventh child and fourth baby born in 2021. The “Gigolo” rapper also shares children with ex-wife Mariah Carey, Brittany Bell and Abby De La Rosa.
Nick and Alyssa discovered that Zen had fluid building in his head and a malignant tumor that December. After losing their son, he returned to host The Nick Cannon Show with a heartbreaking announcement, informing the audience of the devastating news. “I have so much faith in the lord, I have so much faith in God,” he said while fighting back tears. “People often tell me to pray for miracles, and I did pray for the miracle — I prayed for the miracle of God’s strength and that’s why I’m here with you guys today.”
The All That alum prides himself on being a dedicated father, having previously spoken out about his relationships in a rare interview, in which he explained why never wants to be married again. While chatting with fellow rapper T.I. on his podcast, “expediTIously,” Nick said, “Once I stepped away from my marriage with Mariah, I knew I would never get married again.”
He continued, “I knew I’d never be in a relationship again and that I’d never want to be married again. I respect a polyamorous situation. But for me, that’s too many rules.”
“I got kids by different women, and I want more kids, but I don’t want to be responsible for nobody else’s happiness,” he added.
In a 2011 interview with Parade magazine, Nick opened up about being a daddy and he called Mariah a “phenomenal” and “amazing” mother.
“Everything about [fatherhood] is wonderful, but it’s about having a connection and unconditional love. No matter how you’re feeling about yourself, you know that connection with your child is always going to be there,” Nick told the publication.
When asked about raising his kids in the spotlight, he said, “We don’t really think about that. Family always comes first. It’s not really about a balance act. Everything I do is for my family.”
Scroll through the gallery below to learn more about Nick’s children and their mothers.