Nick Cannon shared the last moments he spent with his beloved son, Zen, a five-month-old who courageously battled a brain tumor.
He brought Zen to the beach, where he held the precious child one last time as the sun dipped below the horizon. They witnessed a breathtaking sunset and shared a beautiful moment that will always be etched in Cannon’s memory.
Nick Cannon’s journey through fatherhood is a testament to life’s bittersweet blend of grief and joy. He has embraced the role of father with open arms, a role that has brought both heartache and immense happiness.
Cannon is a proud father to many children from various relationships. He celebrates their achievements and cherishes their individuality, making parenthood an ever-exciting adventure. But this journey hasn’t been without its share of sorrow.
A Heart-Wrenching Turn of Events
December 2021 marked a profoundly sorrowful moment in Cannon’s life. He faced the unimaginable loss of his seventh child, Zen, a five-month-old bundle of joy who battled a brain tumor with unwavering courage. Zen was born to Cannon and Alyssa Scott in June 2021. Tragically, his life was cut short by a condition known as hydrocephalus, which led to a malignant brain tumor.
Nick Cannon and Moroccan Cannon in photos from Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon’s personal collection, taken in the past six months | Source: Getty Images
Cannon courageously shared this heartbreaking news on his show, „Nick Cannon,” bringing his viewers into the intimate and emotional journey he was on. Cannon recounted his son’s last moments, speaking candidly about the pain he endured during this harrowing period.
Nick Cannon and Brittany Bell on the ‘Ghostrider’ Roller Coaster at Knott’s Berry Farm, Buena Park, California, September 1, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
The young child’s medical condition began with subtle signs—a persistent cough and distinctive breathing. When Zen was just two months old, his head began to noticeably enlarge, a sign of the fluid build-up in his brain. Cannon, like any concerned parent, took him to the doctor, hoping for routine care.
Monroe Cannon, Nick Cannon, Moroccan Scott Cannon, and Mariah Carey at the Moroccan Scott Cannon and Monroe Cannon Party in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
What initially seemed routine took a heart-wrenching turn. Doctors discovered an abnormal fluid buildup in Zen’s brain and identified the malignant tumor. This led to surgery to drain the fluid, but Zen’s condition deteriorated, and the tumor grew more rapidly, culminating in a devastating outcome.
Nick Cannon at „Thoughts Of A Colored Man” Opening Night, Golden Theatre, New York City, October 13, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
Facing the tragic reality, Cannon made a heartwarming decision to spend precious moments with Zen during his last days. Over Thanksgiving weekend, with Zen’s health deteriorating, Cannon and Scott decided to create lasting memories with their son.
They headed to the beach, a place filled with meaning for the couple, where they had taken their maternity pictures and shared moments of joy and love. The significance of the location turned it into a celebration of life and a way to cope with the impending loss.
Nick Cannon at Hip Hop & Mental Health Event at The GRAMMY Museum, Los Angeles, June 25, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Cannon sat on the beach and watched the sunrise and sunset as he held his son for the last time in a moment he described as „beautiful.” After spending the day with his parents, Zen took his last breath later in the evening. On his talk show, Cannon praised Scott for her strength during the difficult times they went through, saying, „Mothers are superheroes.”
A Year After Zen’s Passing
In December 2022, a year after the loss of Zen, Cannon took to Instagram to share the ongoing battle with grief. He acknowledged the physical healing but admitted the emotional and spiritual wounds remained. The pain, guilt, and sorrow were constant companions.
Cannon’s heartfelt message expressed his deep love for his son and the ongoing challenge of dealing with such a profound loss. He shared: „Physically I’m definitely on the mend but Mentally and Spiritually I’m broken.”
Amidst the darkness of loss, Cannon found solace in the birth of new life. In January 2022, Cannon announced the impending arrival of his eighth child, this time with model Bre Tiesi. In May 2022, Cannon spoke about his journey during a mixtape Raw & B listening event, expressing his excitement and joy for his expanding family.