Jesy Nelson & Zion Foster: Co-Parenting Twins After SMA Diagnosis

The journey of parenthood is often described as a challenging yet profoundly rewarding experience. For former Little Mix star Jesy Nelson and her ex-fiancé, musician Zion Foster, this journey has unfolded with an extraordinary level of complexity and resilience. Their commitment to co-parenting their twin daughters, Ocean Jade and Story Monroe, takes center stage following the heartbreaking diagnosis of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).

Once inseparable, with fans eagerly following the romance between Jesy Nelson and her boyfriend at the time, Zion Foster, the couple announced their engagement in September 2025, just months after welcoming their beloved twins. Their love story, however, took an unexpected turn as they navigated an unimaginable trauma, ultimately leading to their split. Despite the personal heartbreak, their shared devotion to their daughters remains a powerful testament to their bond as parents.

A Mother's Anguish: The Twins' Early Arrival and SMA Diagnosis

Jesy Nelson and Zion Foster’s path to parenthood began with an early arrival. Their twin daughters, Ocean Jade Nelson-Foster and Story Monroe Nelson-Foster, made their debut prematurely at 31 weeks and 5 days on May 15, 2025. While premature births often come with their own set of concerns, the couple was soon to face a much more profound challenge.

In January 2026, Jesy Nelson bravely shared the devastating news: her eight-month-old twins had been diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). In a raw and emotional Instagram video, Nelson recounted the harrowing moment they were told their girls would likely be disabled. "We were told that they’re probably never gonna be able to walk, they probably will never regain their neck strength so they will be disabled," she revealed, highlighting the immediate and life-altering implications of the diagnosis.

SMA 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 voluntary muscle movement. The impact of this condition can range from mild to severe, often affecting a child's ability to crawl, walk, sit, and even breathe. For parents like Jesy Nelson and her now ex-boyfriend, Zion Foster, such a diagnosis plunges them into a world of uncertainty, grief, and an immediate need for comprehensive medical understanding and support.

Nelson's candid reflections laid bare her deep sadness and anger that her daughters' condition wasn't identified earlier. This feeling is common among parents of children with rare diseases, underscoring the critical importance of early detection and intervention, which Jesy herself would soon champion.

Navigating Trauma: The Impact on Jesy Nelson and Zion Foster's Relationship

The intensity of an SMA diagnosis, coupled with the relentless demands of caring for infants with complex medical needs, placed an immense strain on Jesy Nelson and Zion Foster's relationship. The couple, who had been linked since January 2022 and had navigated an on-off dynamic before their engagement, found their personal connection severely tested by the shared trauma.

Nelson openly addressed the reasons behind their split in an interview, stating, "We have been through such a traumatic experience and for us, our girls are our main priority and our main focus." She explained that while their commitment to their daughters remained absolute, the emotional toll had altered the dynamics between them. "Because we have both been through such a traumatic experience, the energy wasn't right between us, which is understandable," she shared. This honest admission provides a poignant insight into how profound life events, particularly those involving a child's health, can reshape adult relationships. For a deeper dive into their split, you can read Jesy Nelson Confirms Split From Zion Foster: SMA Diagnosis Impact and Jesy Nelson's Split: How Twin Daughters' Trauma Led to Breakup.

Despite the end of their romantic partnership, Jesy emphasized their unwavering unity as parents. "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." This commitment to a unified co-parenting front, even amidst their own heartbreak, highlights their maturity and shared dedication to their children's well-being.

A Unified Front: The Power of Co-Parenting Amidst Adversity

Co-parenting is challenging enough in typical circumstances, but when children have significant medical needs like SMA, the complexities multiply. Jesy Nelson and Zion Foster's decision to remain a united front for Ocean Jade and Story Monroe is not just admirable; it's crucial for their daughters' development and emotional security.

Effective co-parenting in such situations requires extraordinary communication, mutual respect, and a shared vision for the children's care. Here are some key principles that Jesy and Zion likely lean on, and which can benefit any co-parenting team facing similar challenges:

Child-Centric Focus: Every decision, every interaction, must revolve around the best interests of the children. This means putting personal differences aside for the sake of their physical and emotional health.
Consistent Communication: Regular, clear, and open communication about medical appointments, treatments, daily routines, and developmental milestones is paramount. Using shared calendars or communication apps can be incredibly helpful.
Mutual Support and Respect: Despite their split, maintaining a respectful relationship is vital. Each parent needs to support the other's role and decision-making regarding the children's care, especially when one parent might be taking on a larger share of medical responsibilities.
Shared Information: Both parents should be fully informed about the twins' SMA, understanding the condition, treatments, and potential challenges. Attending medical appointments together or sharing detailed notes ensures everyone is on the same page.
Emotional Boundaries: While focusing on the children, it's also important for co-parents to establish healthy emotional boundaries regarding their past romantic relationship to prevent tension from spilling over into their parenting dynamic.

Jesy's commitment to her twin daughters, supported by Zion, demonstrates that a fractured relationship does not have to mean fractured parenting. Their ability to transcend personal heartbreak for their children's sake offers a powerful example of parental love.

Beyond Motherhood: Jesy Nelson's Advocacy for SMA Awareness

The personal trauma of her daughters' SMA diagnosis transformed Jesy Nelson from a pop star into a passionate advocate. Recognizing the critical importance of early intervention, she embarked on significant campaigns in 2025, pushing for the inclusion of SMA in the UK newborn screening program.

Nelson's advocacy highlights a crucial aspect of SMA treatment: the earlier the diagnosis, the more effective the treatment. Modern therapies for SMA, when administered pre-symptomatically (before symptoms appear), can dramatically alter the disease's progression, allowing affected infants to achieve developmental milestones they might otherwise miss. Her personal experience, coupled with the scientific understanding of SMA, fuels her tireless efforts to ensure that other families do not face the same delays in diagnosis that she did.

In addition to her advocacy, 2026 marked another significant shift in Nelson's life. Citing mental health issues and the demands of motherhood, particularly with her children's health needs, she announced her decision to step away from the music industry. This move, while undoubtedly difficult for a performer whose life has been defined by music, underscores her unwavering commitment to prioritizing her well-being and, crucially, being fully present for her daughters. It's a powerful statement about the sacrifices and re-evaluation of priorities that parenthood, especially with special needs children, often demands.

Conclusion

The story of Jesy Nelson and Zion Foster is a poignant reminder of the unpredictable journey of life and parenthood. From the initial excitement of welcoming their twin daughters to the devastating SMA diagnosis and the subsequent end of their engagement, they have faced immense challenges. Yet, through it all, their unwavering dedication to Ocean Jade and Story Monroe shines brightest.

Their decision to navigate co-parenting with unity and a shared, child-centric focus provides a powerful example of resilience and unconditional love. Jesy Nelson's transformation into an advocate for SMA newborn screening further amplifies her commitment, turning personal pain into a force for positive change for countless other families. As Jesy continues to take "each day as it comes," her journey with Zion Foster, though altered, remains firmly centered on being the best possible parents to their thriving, happy girls.