Nick Cannon and Alyssa Scott Celebrate Late Son Zen on What Would've Been His 3rd Birthday: 'Truly an Angel'

The 'Masked Singer' host honored his son, who died in December 2021 after being diagnosed with brain cancer

Nick Cannon is honoring his late son on his birthday.

In a heartfelt post shared to his Instagram on Sunday, June 23, the Masked Singer host, 43, celebrated his late son Zen, who died in December 2021 after being diagnosed with brain cancer, on what would've been his third birthday. Cannon holds Zen in the black-and-white photo, 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."

Cannon shares his son and his daughter Halo Marie, 18 months, with Alyssa Scott.

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Related: Nick Cannon, Alyssa Scott Announce Zen's Light Foundation to Help Families Facing Pediatric Cancers

Scott also shared a photo of how she's 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."

Cannon 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. 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.

Cannon went on to thank those who joined the pair for the inaugural event, "specifically the Children's Hospital of Orange County and our other beautiful partners."

"Can't wait for next year where our Lighting Gala will continue [to] grow to help find a cure for pediatric cancer, further research and help console more families during difficult times. 🙏🏾"

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