Jesy Nelson Stops Music To Care For Twins With Serious Illness

Jesy Nelson, who used to be in the band Little Mix, has decided to stop making music for now. She wants to spend all her time taking care of her twin daughters. They have been diagnosed with a serious muscle illness called SMA.
By Newsroom | Music, Health |

Jesy Nelson, formerly of Little Mix, has publicly announced a significant pause in her music career to dedicate her attention to her twin daughters. The decision follows their diagnosis with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 1, a severe genetic condition. Nelson has stated her intention to campaign for wider newborn screening for SMA, aiming for earlier detection and treatment.

Background and Timeline

Jesy Nelson's twin daughters, Ocean and Story, were born prematurely at 31 weeks in May of an unspecified year, following complications related to carrying monochorionic/diamniotic twins. The precise birth year is not consistently stated across all sources, but recent reports suggest May 2025.

Jesy Nelson puts music career on hold to care for twins following SMA diganosis - 1

  • Early Concerns: Nelson's mother reportedly observed a lack of movement in the babies' legs. Nelson herself became concerned about their feeding struggles and expected developmental milestones, particularly noting reduced leg movement and breathing issues.

  • Medical Journey: After months of testing and consultations at institutions like Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, the twins were diagnosed with SMA Type 1. Doctors informed Nelson that the condition could significantly impact their muscle strength and motor functions, with indications that they "will probably never walk" and might not regain neck strength. The condition is described as progressive and non-reversible, with a critical window for treatment to improve outcomes.

  • Treatment and Care: The twins have received treatment, described by Nelson as "lifesaving." One twin, Story, now requires overnight breathing support, and both require feeding tubes. Nelson has had to learn new caregiving skills to manage these needs.

  • Separation: Nelson has also revealed her separation from her fiancé, Zion Foster, with whom she welcomed the twins. While one report suggests this was related to the challenges they faced, Nelson's specific reasons for the split in relation to the twins' health are not explicitly detailed in the provided summaries.

  • Public Statements: Nelson has discussed her journey on platforms including Heart FM's Breakfast show and ITV's This Morning. She has expressed a desire to be a "mum" rather than a "nurse" and voiced her belief that earlier diagnosis and treatment could have altered the twins' prognosis. She also alluded to a "false narrative" surrounding her departure from Little Mix, suggesting her upcoming series, Life After Little Mix, will address this.

Jesy Nelson's Shift in Priorities

Nelson's recent statements indicate a clear prioritization of her daughters' well-being over her professional music pursuits.

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"So once they’re off them hopefully we’ll be on the up. In an exclusive interview, Jesy said how their dynamic had shifted, prompting her to end their engagement but they are 'doing good' as they co-parent." - Article 1

Her focus has broadened to include advocacy.

"As well as caring for the tots, Jesy will be campaigning for mandatory NHS newborn screening for SMA1 so the condition is detected as early as possible so treatment can administered as early as possible." - Article 2

Nelson's personal journey with motherhood, particularly given her prior admission of not initially wanting children, has been profoundly reshaped by her daughters' diagnosis.

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"'I never wanted children, and then the universe gave me twins': Jesy Nelson shares heartbreaking SMA journey" - Article 4

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 1

SMA is a rare, inherited genetic condition characterized by the loss of motor neurons, which are nerve cells in the spinal cord that control muscle movement.

Read More: Jesy Nelson's Petition for Baby SMA Testing Gets Government Attention

  • Type 1: This is the most severe form of SMA. Infants with SMA Type 1 typically show symptoms within the first few months of life, often by two months old.

  • Symptoms: Key indicators include muscle weakness, poor muscle tone, difficulty breathing and swallowing, and limited movement. Without intervention, progressive muscle degeneration can lead to significant disability.

  • Prognosis: Historically, and without treatment, many infants with SMA Type 1 do not survive past their second birthday due to respiratory failure. However, advancements in therapies have shown to significantly alter outcomes when administered early.

  • Treatment: While there is no cure, available treatments focus on managing symptoms and slowing the progression of muscle weakness. Early detection through newborn screening is considered crucial for maximizing the effectiveness of these treatments.

Campaigning for Screening

Nelson's commitment to raising awareness and advocating for broader screening reflects a desire to prevent other families from experiencing similar diagnostic delays.

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"Nelson explained she became concerned when her daughters weren’t showing expected movement in their legs and were struggling to feed." - Article 5

Her experience highlights the potential impact of timely medical intervention.

"Appearing on ITV’s This Morning on Wednesday, the Boyz singer fought back tears as she told how she believes earlier diagnosis and treatment could have significantly altered their prognosis." - Article 7

Impact on Music Career

The decision to pause her music career signifies a substantial shift in Nelson's professional life. Having launched a solo career after departing Little Mix, this move places her artistic endeavors on hold indefinitely.

Jesy Nelson puts music career on hold to care for twins following SMA diganosis - 4

"Jesy Nelson has revealed she has quit music as she focuses her attention on her twin daughters after they were diagnosed with a life-limiting condition." - Article 1

The timing of this announcement coincides with discussions about her past and future, including her documentary series.

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"“I go into the reason why I left Little Mix, which I’ve never, ever spoken about, and that was really tough, because, like I said, there’s been a constant narrative that’s been written about me – I believe it gave a false narrative of why I left,” Nelson said about why she parted ways with the group…" - Article 3

Expert and Media Commentary

The narrative surrounding Jesy Nelson's twins' diagnosis has been predominantly shaped by her personal accounts and media reporting. Medical experts on SMA generally corroborate the severity of the condition and the importance of early intervention, though specific prognoses vary with individual cases and treatment timelines.

  • Advocacy Groups: Organizations focused on SMA emphasize that early diagnosis is paramount for improving quality of life and long-term outcomes. They often support initiatives for universal newborn screening.

  • Media Framing: Reports consistently frame Nelson's story as a "heartbreaking journey" and a significant life change, emphasizing her role as a mother facing profound challenges. The connection between her personal struggles and her decision to step away from music is a central theme.

Conclusion and Implications

Jesy Nelson's decision to halt her music career to care for her twin daughters diagnosed with SMA Type 1 marks a pivotal moment in her life. Her stated commitment to advocating for improved newborn screening indicates a desire to leverage her experience for broader public health benefit. The twins' health and ongoing care remain the primary focus, influencing Nelson's personal and professional trajectory. The long-term implications for her music career remain to be seen, contingent on her daughters' health outcomes and her personal capacity.

Sources Used:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Jesy Nelson stopping her music?
Jesy Nelson is stopping her music to take care of her twin daughters. They have been diagnosed with a serious illness called Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).
Q: What is SMA?
SMA is a sickness that affects muscles. It can make it hard for people to move and breathe. Type 1 is a very serious form of this illness.
Q: What is Jesy Nelson doing to help?
She wants to help other families by telling people about SMA. She hopes more babies will be tested for it when they are born so they can get help sooner.
Q: How are the twins doing?
The twins are getting treatment and care. One of them needs help breathing at night, and both need special tubes to help them eat. Jesy is learning how to give them this care.
Q: Will Jesy Nelson make music again?
Jesy Nelson has said she is stopping her music for now. It is not clear if or when she will start making music again, as her focus is on her daughters.