Celebrity2 min(s) read
Published 11:37 17 Dec 2021 GMT
Nick Cannon has opened up about the heartbreaking conversation he had with his children about the tragic death of his and girlfriend Alyssa Scott's five-month-old son Zen.
Cannon, 41, revealed the tragic news that his baby Zen died after he was diagnosed with a brain tumor on the most recent episode of The Nick Cannon Show on Tuesday, December 7.
Cannon has now revealed to People that he's leaning on his kids during this devastating time, and how they've helped him throughout his grieving process.
Cannon is also dad to 5-month-old twins Zion Mixolydian and Zillion Heir, whom he shares with Abby De La Rosa; 11-month-old daughter Powerful Queen and son Golden, 4, whom he shares with Brittany Bell; and twins Moroccan and Monroe, 10, whom he shares with ex-wife Mariah Carey.
The comedian says having to explain the situation to his children - specifically his older twins and Golden - was difficult.
"Having to explain that to 10-year-olds (Moroccan and Monroe) and a 4-year-old (Golden) is pretty intense," he told People.
"But their understanding and them being there for me probably helped me keep it together as well as really deal with it. Specifically, even, Roc and Roe. They were there for the entire journey."
Cannon says his daughter, Roe, has been one of his biggest supporters through it all. "My daughter, really, she's so in tune and in line and wise beyond her years," he says. "I got a lot of therapists, but she's probably my best therapist."
"She keeps me in check," he adds. "She's so pure and so honest. To be 10, she asks some really strong and powerful questions. Really, just it's all out of love.
"She's my oldest child. Even though they're twins, she came out first and she lets everybody know it. She's helped me keep it strong."
Cannon this week revealed that he and Alyssa chose not to treat the child with chemotherapy.
While speaking with People about Zen's life and illness, Cannon recalled how the baby’s breathing had suggested something was off shortly after he was born in June.
At 2 months old, the baby was diagnosed with brain cancer. Doctors placed a shunt in the infant's skull to drain fluid, but the tumors in his head continued to grow.
But the parents decided not to subject Zen to chemotherapy. Cannon said he and Scott's priority was making sure Zen was "as happy as he could possibly be."
