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Nick Cannon is honoring his late son Zen on what would’ve been his fourth birthday
The ‘Masked Singer’ host, who is dad to 12, shares Zen and daughter Halo, 2, with Alyssa Scott
Cannon’s son died in December 2021 after being diagnosed with brain cancer
Nick Cannon is honoring his late son.
The Masked Singer host, 44, shared a video on his Instagram in honor of his late son Zen — who died in December 2021 after being diagnosed with brain cancer — on what would’ve been his fourth birthday. In the clip, Cannon can be seen lighting a candle and visiting a local hospital in honor of his son.
“Today, we celebrate what would have been my son Zen’s fourth birthday. Though he was with us for a brief time, his light continues to inspire others through the work of the Zen’s Light Foundation,” Cannon wrote in his caption.
“In honor of Zen, I’m proud to announce that we’re partnering with ReisFields to launch the ‘Zen’s Light: A Celebration of Life Candle.’ Every purchase goes directly to supporting families affected by childhood cancer and other diseases.”
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Cannon, who is dad to 12, shares Zen and daughter Halo, 2, with Alyssa Scott.
The actor announced in December 2021 on his eponymous talk show that the pair’s 5-month-old son had died of brain cancer, which was discovered three months prior by the baby’s doctor.
Zen was Cannon’s seventh and youngest child at the time. Shortly after his birth, doctors discovered fluid building up inside the baby boy’s head in addition to a malignant tumor that required brain surgery.
“We were faithful and hopeful for that time,” Cannon said on his talk show. “We carried on, he was still just playing with his brothers and sisters, I embraced every moment.”
In 2022, Cannon and Scott announced a foundation in Zen’s honor in a joint Instagram post. “June 23rd will forever be a day of celebration. A beautiful lighting ceremony to honor the life of an Angel. Zen’s birth has now transformed into ‘Zen’s Light,’ ” Cannon wrote.
“We are proud to announce his new foundation that will help so many others in this world. ‘Zen’s Light’ mission is to foster global excellence in hope, grief care and pediatric healthcare for families and children in need,” he explained.
Last year in honor of what would have been Zen’s third birthday, Cannon celebrated his late son by sharing a black-and-white photo of Zen, showing the star smiling for the camera.
“Today is the day we celebrate the life of my little guy Zen Scott Cannon, truly an Angel so every 6/23 is a tough one,” Cannon wrote in his caption. “But the goal is always to try to turn pain into purpose. I love you Zen. Your light will shine forever my Son. 🕊️ #ZensLight.”
Scott also shared a photo of how she was remembering Zen on his birthday with a picture on her Instagram Stories. The mom of three included a picture of a sign for Zen, which read, “Celebrating Zen’s light. June 23, 2024.”
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