Jesy Nelson Reveals Heartbreaking Split Following Daughters' Diagnosis
Former Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson has publicly addressed the "really tough" end of her engagement to Zion Foster, the father of her twin daughters, in the wake of their children's diagnosis with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1 (SMA1). The mother of two, who disclosed the diagnosis last month, spoke candidly about the split during a recent Q&A session and in an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail.
Co-Parenting Amidst Personal Turmoil
Jesy announced that she and Zion called off their engagement earlier this year, citing the immense strain of caring for their daughters, Ocean Jade and Story Monroe, who were diagnosed with SMA1, a rare genetic disorder causing muscle wastage. She described the series of events as "traumatic," noting that their relationship dynamic shifted, with co-parenting now their primary focus.
"We're doing good. We're doing good," Jesy assured attendees at a screening of her new Prime Video series, Jesy Nelson: Life After Little Mix. "It's been tough, I'm not going to bulls*** you, it's been really tough, and I think that's understandable with everything we have gone through, but we are getting on with it, and our girls are our main focus."
Documenting a Life-Changing Journey
The new series, which premieres on February 13, chronicles Jesy's pregnancy and the challenges she faced, including learning her twins had monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) identical twins and twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). Initially intended as a positive memento for her daughters, the documentary's purpose evolved as the SMA diagnosis emerged six months after their birth.
"I wanted this to have memories but now because of everything that played out, and with their diagnosis now and knowing we have carried on filming, now my reasons are so different," Jesy explained. "Hopefully, when this comes out, it's going to spread as much awareness as possible about everything I have been through and that's my main goal."
Advocacy for Early SMA Screening
Jesy is now campaigning for all newborns to be tested for spinal muscular atrophy at birth, emphasizing that early diagnosis is crucial. A one-time infusion can significantly improve muscle development if administered promptly. She expressed frustration that her daughters were not identified within the vital early window, compounded by medical advice not to compare their growth due to prematurity.
"I am taking each day as it comes because I feel like right now, especially with the girls' diagnosis, it's all I can really do," she said. "If I try to look too far into the future, I will drive myself crazy. The girls are doing really well and they're happy, that's all I can really ask for."
Finding Purpose in Motherhood
Despite the hardships, Jesy finds solace in motherhood, which she says has given her a sense of "purpose" after years of feeling lost, including enduring intense trolling during her time in Little Mix. She admitted she never wanted children earlier in life but now cannot imagine life without her twins.
"They brought me so much purpose and for such a long time in my life I had been looking for that purpose, and I had felt lost, but they came along, and they gave me all the purpose," she reflected. "My life is for them now. I wouldn't have it any other way."
Meeting with Health Officials
As part of her advocacy, Jesy met with Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who acknowledged her concerns about delayed diagnoses. She hopes SMA will be added to the routine baby heel prick test, a screening performed days after birth. While grateful for her platform to raise awareness, she feels anger for families who have suffered in silence.
"It makes me sad. Just very sad. It makes me angry - I feel so many different emotions," Jesy stated. "So many people have been suffering for years and trying to raise awareness, but they haven't been taken seriously."
The documentary series offers an intimate look at Jesy's journey, from her rise to fame on The X Factor to navigating motherhood under extraordinary circumstances, highlighting her resilience and dedication to her daughters' well-being.
