Jesy Nelson Confirms Split From Zion Foster: SMA Diagnosis Impact
In a candid and emotional revelation that has sent ripples through the entertainment world, pop star Jesy Nelson has officially confirmed her separation from fiancé Zion Foster. The former Little Mix member, known for her powerful vocals and outspoken nature, shared that the harrowing diagnosis of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) in their eight-month-old twin daughters, Ocean Jade and Story Monroe, became an insurmountable challenge for their relationship. While the news marks the end of a four-year romance, Nelson's words underscore a shared, unwavering commitment to co-parenting their beloved children, whose well-being remains their absolute priority.
For fans following the journey of Jesy Nelson's boyfriend Zion Foster and her, this split comes after a period of immense joy and unforeseen heartache. The couple, who had been linked since January 2022 and announced their engagement in September 2025, welcomed their twin daughters prematurely in May of the same year. Their love story, however, took an unexpected turn with the devastating news of their daughters' rare genetic condition, a trauma that ultimately reshaped their lives and their bond.
The Heartbreaking Revelation: SMA's Profound Impact on Family Life
Jesy Nelson's recent Instagram video, shared in January, tearfully unveiled the life-altering diagnosis of SMA for her twin girls. Spinal Muscular Atrophy is a severe inherited neuromuscular disorder that progressively weakens and wastes away muscles due to the loss of specific nerve cells in the spinal cord that control muscle movement. The condition can lead to significant physical challenges, with Nelson heartbreakingly recalling being told her daughters might never walk or regain neck strength, leading to potential disability.
"We have been through such a traumatic experience and for us, our girls are our main priority and our main focus," Nelson, 34, bravely told outlets, explaining the profound impact on her and Zion. "We want to give them the most positive, happy and uplifting time and energy and because we have both been through such a traumatic experience, the energy wasn't right between us, which is understandable."
The shock and grief of receiving such a diagnosis can be overwhelming for any parent, let alone a public figure navigating intense media scrutiny. Nelson openly shared her "sadness" and "anger" that her daughters' condition wasn't identified earlier. This feeling is common among parents of children with rare diseases, highlighting the critical importance of early detection and intervention, which can significantly improve outcomes for affected infants. Her determination to take "each day as it comes" underscores the immense emotional resilience required to face such a challenge.
Navigating Shared Trauma: Why Relationships Can Change Course
The ending of a relationship, especially one that has led to engagement and children, is never easy. However, the unique circumstances surrounding Jesy and Zion's split shed light on the complex ways shared trauma can reshape personal connections. While tragedy can sometimes forge an unbreakable bond, it can also expose underlying vulnerabilities and alter priorities, leading couples down separate paths.
Nelson's heartfelt explanation — that "the energy wasn't right between us" post-diagnosis — resonates deeply. When a couple faces a life-altering event like a child's severe medical diagnosis, their focus inevitably shifts entirely to the child's needs. This intense period of stress, fear, medical appointments, and emotional strain can leave little room for the romantic aspects of a relationship. The individual coping mechanisms of each partner might diverge, or the sheer weight of responsibility can become too much for the existing dynamic to bear.
Jesy and Zion's journey together included their engagement in September 2025, a joyous milestone that followed the early birth of their twins on May 15. They had been dating on and off since January 2022, a testament to their enduring connection. However, the unexpected trauma of the SMA diagnosis presented a challenge that, for them, proved too difficult for their romantic relationship to overcome, even as their commitment to their daughters deepened. This difficult decision, born out of immense love for their children, underscores the profound sacrifices parents often make. For more insights into how shared trauma impacted their bond, you can read Jesy Nelson's Split: How Twin Daughters' Trauma Led to Breakup.
United Front: Co-Parenting with Purpose
Despite the end of their romantic relationship, Jesy Nelson and Zion Foster are resolute in their commitment to providing a stable and loving environment for Ocean and Story. "We are still friends and we are still united in co-parenting our daughters, they are our main focus, that's all we can do, be the best possible parents we can right now," Nelson affirmed. This declaration is a powerful message of maturity and selflessness, particularly crucial when raising children with special needs.
Co-parenting after a split, especially under such emotionally charged circumstances, requires extraordinary communication, mutual respect, and a shared vision for the children's future. For parents of children with SMA, this involves:
- Consistent Communication: Regularly discussing medical appointments, treatment plans, and daily care routines.
- Emotional Support: Offering each other support, not just as former partners, but as parents navigating a challenging journey.
- Shared Goals: Aligning on how to provide the most positive, happy, and uplifting environment for their daughters.
- Boundaries: Establishing clear boundaries to ensure their co-parenting dynamic remains focused on the children's needs, free from past romantic tensions.
- Seeking External Help: Potentially engaging in co-parenting counseling to establish healthy patterns and communication strategies.
Beyond the Split: Jesy Nelson's Advocacy and Resilience
Jesy Nelson's journey has long been marked by resilience. Her departure from Little Mix in December 2020 was openly attributed to mental health issues, a decision met with widespread support. Since then, her focus has increasingly shifted towards personal well-being and, now, unwavering advocacy for her children and others facing similar battles.
Nelson has emerged as a passionate advocate for Spinal Muscular Atrophy awareness. In 2025, she notably began campaigns for the inclusion of SMA in the UK newborn screening program, championing earlier diagnosis and treatment. Her personal experience with the late detection of her daughters' condition fuels her resolve, as early identification is paramount for maximizing the effectiveness of available treatments and improving long-term outcomes for affected infants.
Her commitment to family and well-being runs deep. The star announced in 2026 her decision to step away from the music industry, citing mental health issues and the birth of her children as primary reasons. This long-term commitment underscores a profound reorientation of her life's priorities, placing her children and their needs at the very heart of her existence. Her strength in the face of public scrutiny and personal heartbreak serves as an inspiration, channeling her pain into purpose-driven action.
Supporting Families Facing SMA: What You Can Do
Jesy Nelson's openness about her daughters' SMA diagnosis not only shines a light on her personal struggles but also elevates awareness for a condition that many may not be familiar with. For those who wish to support families affected by SMA, there are several actionable steps:
- Educate Yourself: Learn more about SMA, its types, symptoms, and the importance of early diagnosis. Organizations like SMA UK and Cure SMA offer valuable resources.
- Support Advocacy Efforts: Join calls for universal newborn screening for SMA in your region. Petitions, contacting local representatives, and sharing information on social media can make a significant difference.
- Donate to Research: Funding for SMA research is crucial for developing new treatments and ultimately finding a cure.
- Offer Practical Support: If you know a family with an SMA diagnosis, consider offering practical help such as meals, childcare for other siblings, or assistance with appointments, understanding the immense challenges they face daily.
- Spread Awareness: Share Jesy Nelson's story and information about SMA to help reduce stigma and increase public understanding of this condition.
The news of Jesy Nelson's split from her now former Jesy Nelson's boyfriend Zion Foster is undoubtedly sad, yet it highlights an extraordinary act of love and prioritization for their twin daughters. Facing the profound challenge of an SMA diagnosis, the couple has chosen to dissolve their romantic partnership but strengthen their parental bond. Jesy's unwavering dedication to Ocean Jade and Story Monroe, coupled with her powerful advocacy for SMA awareness and early screening, underscores a new chapter defined by resilience, purpose, and an enduring commitment to her family's well-being. As they navigate this new phase of co-parenting, their focus remains steadfast: giving their daughters the best possible life, filled with positivity and hope.