Jesy Nelson, the former Little Mix star, has shared the heartfelt reasons behind her split from partner Zion Foster, revealing the deep impact that their twin daughters’ diagnosis with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 1 had on their relationship.
After four years together and a recent engagement, Jesy and Zion decided to part ways, citing the immense strain brought on by navigating their twins’ rare and challenging health condition. SMA Type 1 is a progressive disorder that causes muscle weakness and deterioration, presenting significant challenges for parents.
In a recent interview, 34-year-old Jesy explained, “We have been through such a traumatic experience, and our girls remain our main priority and focus. We want to create as positive, happy, and uplifting an environment for them as possible. Because of what we’ve been through, the energy between us wasn’t right, which is understandable.”
READ MORE: Gloucester Taxpayers Face Increased Costs on £107m The Forum Project Due to Rising Interest Rates
READ MORE: We Walked 102 Miles Across the Cotswolds—Here’s What Made It All Worth It
Despite ending their romantic relationship, Jesy emphasized that they remain united as co-parents committed to giving their daughters the best care and support. Currently residing in Romford, East London, Jesy expressed that their relationship has shifted to one of friendship, centered around their shared parenting responsibilities.
Jesy also opened up about her difficult pregnancy journey. She revealed that her twins were monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) identical twins affected by twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), a rare complication where both babies share one placenta. While Jesy felt relief at their birth, that joy soon gave way to heartache six months later when the babies were diagnosed with SMA.
The diagnosis has sparked a campaign, supported by the media, for routine NHS blood tests to screen newborns for SMA early, in hopes of improving outcomes.
Jesy described her day-to-day mindset, stating, “I’m taking each day as it comes. With the girls’ diagnosis, if I look too far ahead, it overwhelms me. They are happy and doing well—that’s all we can ask for.”
This personal turmoil coincides with the premiere of Jesy Nelson’s Prime Video documentary series, “Jesy Nelson: Life After Little Mix,” which candidly follows her journey through pregnancy, motherhood, and the ups and downs of her relationship with Zion, who is an R&B artist. The series highlights the close bond they shared, with Jesy previously calling Zion her “best friend” just months before their split.
Jesy’s openness provides a powerful insight into the realities of parenting children with complex health needs while navigating personal change.