Nick Cannon and Alyssa Scott memorialized what would have been their late son Zen’s 1st birthday with a “day of celebration” Thursday.
“Zen’s birth has now transformed into Zen’s Light,” the “Wild ‘N Out” host, 41, captioned Instagram photos of himself and the model, 28, at a lighting ceremony in their baby boy’s honor.
“We are proud to announce his new foundation that will help so many others in this world,” he went on to write. “‘Zen’s Light'[‘s] mission is to foster global excellence in hope, grief-care and pediatric healthcare for families and children in need.”
Cannon continued, “Can’t wait for next year where our Lighting Gala will continue grow to help find a cure for pediatric cancer, further research and help console more families during difficult times.”
The duo held a lighting ceremony on what would have been Zen’s birthday.itsalyssaemm/InstagramThe “All That” alum and Scott’s 5-month-old son died in December 2021 after battling brain cancer.
The Texas native celebrated Zen’s “heavenly first birthday” with an Instagram video featuring sweet family moments they shared.
The 5-month-old died in December 2021 after battling brain cancer. nickcannon/Instagram“At the root of all the emotions I have today there is insurmountable love,” she captioned the footage Thursday. “I always try my best to remain positive but right now I can’t help but cry out ‘it’s not suppose[d] to be like this.’ In my mind I can see him smashing his cake and crawling around, tugging at my legs.”
Cannon reposted the video, calling Scott a “loving, nurturing, irrefrangible [sic] and strength-filled Amazing Mother.”
Scott gave birth in June 2021.itsalysssaemm/InstagramScott, who is also the mother of daughter Zeela, 4, from a previous relationship, replied, “Wow, those words! Thank you, We love you.”
She and Cannon welcomed their son in June 2021, the same month that the former Nickelodeon star and Abby De La Rosa’s now-1-year-old twin sons, Zion and Zillion, were born.
News broke in January that Cannon, who is also the father of twins Moroccan and Monroe, 11, with ex-wife Mariah Carey as well as Golden, 5, and Powerful, 1, with Brittany Bell, is expecting baby No. 8 with Bre Tiesi.
With De La Rosa, 31, now pregnant with a baby girl, Cannon told the “Lip Service” podcast co-hosts in earlier this month that his family is expanding — although the “Masked Singer” host did not officially claim paternity.
“Let’s just put it this way,” the rapper teased at the time. “The stork is on the way.”
