Nick Cannon's 12 Kids: Everything to Know

Nick Cannon/Instagram

Nick Cannon's children are the joy of his life.

"Every day I just wake up excited as a father," he told PEOPLE in May 2022. "I'm so excited about all my kids. Constantly, from every aspect of it. From them getting citizen of the month awards in the first grade to the birth of the new ones."

Cannon is a proud father of 12. He shares twins Moroccan and Monroe with ex-wife Mariah Carey; sons Golden Sagon and Rise Messiah Cannon and daughter Powerful Queen with Brittany Bell; twins Zion Mixolydian and Zillion Heir and daughter Beautiful Zeppelin with Abby De La Rosa; son Legendary Love with Bre Tiesi; and daughter Onyx Ice Cole with LaNisha Cole. Cannon is father to two children with Alyssa Scott — son Zen, who died at five months old in December 2021 after being diagnosed with brain cancer, and daughter Halo Marie Cannon born on Dec. 14, 2022.

The Nick Cannon Show host welcomed five children in 2022, including his twelfth baby (his second with Scott) in December. Scott announced she and Cannon were expecting again on Instagram in November 2022, writing "This is a MIRACLE & a BLESSING," alongside a photo of her and Cannon from a maternity shoot.

That same month, Cannon poked fun at his "big a-- family" in a spoof holiday shopping commercial.

"Thanks to me, the world now has 8 billion people, and based off the baby-mama-to-kid ratio, we got a whole hell of a lot of gifts to buy," he joked while wearing a festive sweater and a Santa hat.

Nick Cannon Instagram

While Cannon has been known to joke about his big family, he opened up about the challenges of being a father of multiple children during a December 2022 episode of The Checkup with Dr. Agus on Paramount+.

"Being a father of multiple kids, it's always the biggest guilt on me is that I don't get to spend enough time with all my children," Cannon said. "One 'cause I'm constantly working and two because I'm just spread thin."

In February 2023, Cannon shared with Entertainment Tonight that having more kids isn't off the table for the TV host.

"God decides when we're done, but I believe I definitely got my hands full," he said. "And I'm so focused. I'm locked in. But when I'm 85, you never know. I might."

Here's everything to know about Nick Cannon's 12 kids.

Moroccan and Monroe Cannon

EAN-BAPTISTE LACROIX/AFP via Getty

Cannon and then-wife Carey welcomed twins, son Moroccan Scott and daughter Monroe, on April 30, 2011, in Los Angeles.

While the couple split in 2014 after six years of marriage, they continue to spend time as a family, from coordinating outfits at the Kids Choice Awards to spending Christmas in Aspen together.

"Whenever we can show that — even if we're not together, [that] we love each other unconditionally — and become that fine example to our children, they'll grow up to be good human beings, hopefully," Cannon told PEOPLE.

Nick Cannon Instagram

While the former couple remains amicable, they don't always see eye-to-eye on how to parent their little ones. Cannon revealed on his talk show that he went against Carey's wishes and snuck the twins cellphones for their 10th birthday.

"I was all for it but Mariah was like, 'Uh huh they aren't going to be Googling us, learning about all their new brothers and sisters, no we aren't playing,' " he said, adding with a laugh, "Mariah is still mad at me [for doing it anyway] to this day."

In the summer of 2021, Monroe made her modeling debut in childrenswear brand OshKosh B'Gosh's back-to-school campaign where she played the younger version of her mom. Cannon shared the clip on his page, writing in the caption, "Proud Poppa! 🙏🏾❤️."

Nick Cannon Instagram

Cannon credits Monroe with helping him through difficult times, like the loss of his son Zen. "My daughter, really, she's so in tune and in line and wise beyond her years," he told PEOPLE. "I got a lot of therapists, but she's probably my best therapist."

He added, "She keeps me in check. She's so pure and honest. [...] She's my oldest child. Even though they're twins, she came out first and she lets everybody know it. She's helped me keep it strong."

Golden Sagon Cannon

Brittany Bell Instagram

The television host welcomed son Golden Sagon with Bell on Feb. 21, 2017.

"Weeping may endure for a night, but Joy cometh in the morning! No matter how hard the world may hit you, God always reminds us of our purpose! #TrueHappiness," the proud dad wrote on Instagram in 2017 to announce the news of Golden's birth. "Welcome to Earth Son!" he added in the since-deleted post.

To ring in Golden's fifth birthday, the former America's Got Talent host helped throw an epic Black Panther-themed party with Bell in February 2022. The proud parents coordinated their outfits alongside their kids for the special day. "We love you King Golden!!!" Cannon wrote on Instagram.

In April 2022, the actor shared clips on social media of the family of four attending the Gazillion Bubble Show together, calling it "a family tradition!"

In August 2022, Bell shared a cute picture on her Instagram Story of Golden on his first day of second grade.

"My baby is in 2nd grade!!! 5 years old loving school 🥰," Bell captioned a photo of him smiling while holding up a sign that notes his age, grade, the name of his teacher and what he wants to be when he grows up. According to the sign, Golden dreams of being a scientist.

Cannon and Bell threw Golden a gamer-themed sixth birthday party at an arcade in Los Angeles. Per tradition, the family wore matching T-shirts at the soiree.

"Happy 6th birthday my son! The Golden child!" Cannon wrote on Instagram alongside a few party pics.

Powerful Queen Cannon

Nick Cannon Instagram

Golden's little sister Powerful Queen (nicknamed "Pow") arrived at home via natural water birth on Dec. 23, 2020.

"All I can say is that Nick was my rock through the most intense yet empowering natural water birth. It was nothing but POWERFUL ♥️♥️♥️♥️ Merry Christmas!!!! THANK YOU GOD ♥️," Bell wrote while announcing their little one's arrival.

Cannon and the former Miss Arizona U.S.A. celebrated Powerful Queen's first birthday together with a Christmas-themed photoshoot, in which the parents cuddled up beside their little one in front of a decked-out tree.

In April 2022, the family of four dressed in their pastel finest for an Easter photoshoot, featuring Cannon in a full Easter Bunny costume.

Zion Mixolydian & Zillion Heir Cannon

Nick Cannon Instagram

On June 14, 2021, model and DJ De La Rosa welcomed twin boys Zion Mixolydian and Zillion Heir Cannon to the world.

On their first Halloween, the twin boys joined Cannon's tradition of twinning with his little ones: They dressed up as the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Men from Ghostbusters alongside their parents.

Abby De La Rosa/ instagram

For their first birthdays, the twins celebrated at the happiest place on earth — Disneyland! "I was told on my 1st birthday I got so excited that I peed all over my birthday cake and I guess the Apple doesn't fall far from the tree because soon as Zion saw Mickey Mouse he just let loose all over me. It's actually happening in this photo!! Piss everywhere! LOL," Cannon captioned a shot of the family of four, featuring a wet stain on his shirt.

Alongside the birthday tribute to his sons, Cannon shouted out De La Rosa, calling her "Super Woman." He continued, "I will make it my mission to let the boys know how honored and privileged they are to have such an amazing, loving, strong, resilient and magnificent Mother!"

Recently, Cannon and De La Rosa have been teaching their twins to walk, with the DJ showing off their progress on her Instagram in June 2022.

By August 2022, the twins went from walking to swimming with their first lesson in the pool.

De La Rosa posted a photo on her Instagram Story, showing Cannon holding one of the twins. "The boys started their first day of swim lessons. Lifeguard daddy was on duty," she wrote. In other posts, both the boys could be seen in the water with an instructor as their parents looked on.

Zen Cannon

Courtesy nick cannon

Just nine days after the arrival of twins Zion and Zillion, Cannon welcomed another son, Zen, on June 23, 2021, with model Alyssa Scott.

That August, Zen was diagnosed with high-grade glioma, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer. Baby Zen died of brain cancer in December 2021. He was 5 months old.

"We had a short time with a true angel," Cannon told PEOPLE of his son's death. "My heart is shattered. I wish I could have done more, spent more time with him, taken more pictures. I wish I could have hugged him longer."

Alyssa Scott Instagram

"Having to explain that to 10-year-olds [Moroccan and Monroe] and a 4-year-old [Golden] is pretty intense," he told PEOPLE about telling his children about Zen's death. "But their understanding and them being there for me probably helped me keep it together as well as really deal with it. Specifically, even, Roc and Roe. They were there for the entire journey."

To mark what would have been Zen's first birthday, Scott and Cannon announced a foundation in his honor, Zen's Light, whose mission "is to foster global excellence in hope, grief care and pediatric healthcare for families and children in need."

On Dec. 5, 2022, Cannon posted a heartfelt tribute to Zen on the first anniversary of his son's death. He shared photos of himself with the infant, writing, "I can't believe it's been a year already since the toughest day of my life occurred," in the caption.

Cannon continued, "Losing a child has to be the heaviest, most dark and depressive experiences that I will never get over. A mixture of guilt, pain, and sorrow is what I suppress daily."

Legendary Love Cannon

Legendary Love Cannon Instagram

On Jan. 31, 2022, Cannon revealed that he was expecting a baby with model Bre Tiesi, who told E!'s Daily Pop that she and the Wild 'N Out star have been dating "on-and-off for years." Their son, Legendary Love Cannon, was born in July 2022 via natural home birth.

"I did it. An all natural unmedicated home birth. This was the most humbling / limit pushing yet awakening and completely empowering experience," wrote Tiesi on Instagram. "I can't thank my team enough for delivering my son safely. This experience has changed me forever and I couldn't of asked for a more amazing and supportive partner. Daddy showed the f up for us.. I couldn't of done it without you. 💙 I can't believe he's here 🤗."

The model documented Legendary's birth in an 11-minute video on YouTube, where Cannon can be seen holding his newborn son. "Hey, Legendary," the father whispered before changing the baby's diaper.

In October 2022, Tiesi and Cannon celebrated their son's first Halloween by sharing an Instagram post of the baby boy in an adorable Mickey Mouse costume. "The legendary Mickey 🐭 wishing you all a very happy Halloween 🎃," the caption read.

Onyx Ice Cole Cannon

LaNisha Cole Instagram

On Sept. 14, 2022, Cannon welcomed his ninth child and first with former Price Is Right model LaNisha Cole: a daughter named Onyx Ice Cole Cannon.

"Once again, today I am in awe of the Devine Feminine!" Cannon wrote on Instagram alongside a black-and-white photo of him holding his new baby girl next to Cole. "God has given me and @MissLanishaCole the privilege of hosting an Angel here on earth. I vow to protect, provide, guide and love this child to the best of my abilities."

First-time mom Cole also shared the birth news on her Instagram Story, writing, "Today has been such a special day for us. I can't tell you how blessed I feel to welcome Onyx Ice Cole Cannon into this world."

She continued, "The joy that I feel as a mother is something that has forever opened up my heart in a huge new way. ... I'm already obsessed with her! And you already know there'll be no shortage of pics and videos lol."

Cannon is making a clear effort to bond with baby Onyx. The Masked Singer host posted a photo on Instagram — he was napping and so was his newborn as she rested on his chest.

"All in a days work!! Onyx has the right idea! It's a wrap! Meditation and Rejuvenation aligns the Spirit!" Cannon captioned the sweet image.

In October 2022, Cannon and Cole dedicated 4-week-old Onyx to their church. "Such a beautiful Sunday! Onyx Ice Cole Cannon was dedicated to Yahweh today!!!" Cannon wrote on Instagram. "Romans 8:31 'If God Be For Us, who can be against us!' 🙏🏾❤️ #ChurchDrip"

Rise Messiah Cannon

Brittany Bell Instagram

In August 2022, Cannon shared on Instagram that he was expecting another baby, his third with Bell. Baby boy Rise Messiah Cannon was born in September.

"Another Blessing!!! As my journey on this planet becomes more and more remarkable and unfathomable, all I can do is thank God and continue to ask the Most High to order my steps," Cannon wrote on Instagram. "He has given me stewardship and dominion over a family dynamic that to some is unimaginable."

The proud dad continued, "But more importantly he has blessed me with loving individuals to guide me with care through this purposeful life." He also celebrated Bell for being "the rock and foundation of my Fatherhood journey."

On Nov. 22, 2022, Bell posted photos from Rise's newborn photoshoot on Instagram. Some of the photos featured both mother and baby wearing white, with Bell holding Rise as she lounged on a bed. Another photo showed the newborn resting on an open bible.

"Let me tell you something about My Rise ❤️," the mom of three wrote in the caption. "My Rise came right on time / Calling me higher in challenges of darkness to a renewal of Sunshine / My Rise is patient and full of growth. My Rise has hints of Golden Warrior and Powerful Queen / My Rise is full of smiles and a joy I've never seen."

Beautiful Zeppelin Cannon

Abby De La Rosa Instagram

De La Rosa and Cannon welcomed their third child together, Beautiful Zeppelin Cannon, on Nov. 11, 2022.

"Our Dearest Beautiful Zeppelin Cannon, We've known you for 2 days now and I'm in still in awe that you chose @nickcannon & I to be your parents," the mom-of-three wrote on Instagram. "Not one single word can express the love we have for you. We are so blessed to have this front row seat in your world. Your brothers can't wait to meet you (our family is wild but it's yours, no matter what 🫶)."

She continued: "You already have your Dad wrapped around your finger, it's been the sweetest thing 😍 He works so hard and will go above and beyond to make sure you know you are loved."

Cannon celebrated the birth of his 11th child in an Instagram post of his own, writing, "11/11/2022 A BEAUTIFUL DAY for 'BEAUTIFUL ZEPPELIN CANNON' to arrive!" He also thanked De La Rosa for the "tireless work of constant dedication, diligent effort and selfless love that you give to our children and myself."

The proud dad concluded: "BEAUTIFUL ZEPPELIN aka BZC aka BIZZY B! Get ready because the world is yours! Daddy loves you!!"

Halo Marie Cannon

Alyssa Scott Instagram

On Nov. 3, 2022, Cannon revealed that he and model Scott were expecting another baby together — his twelfth child and Scott's third (and their second together).

"This is a MIRACLE & a BLESSING 🤍," the model captioned an Instagram, which included an image of her standing naked in a bathtub while Cannon held her baby bump.

Scott had previously revealed her pregnancy on Oct. 26 but did not disclose any other details at the time.

In December 2022, Scott revealed that she and Cannon welcomed a baby girl named Halo Marie Cannon on Dec. 14.

Sharing an emotional video that reflects on welcoming their daughter just a year after the death of the pair's son Zen — who died at 5 months old as a result of brain cancer — Scott celebrated the significance of her daughter's arrival.

"December 14, 2022. Our lives are forever changed ❤️," she wrote in the caption on Instagram. "Zen is in every breath I take. I know his spirit was with us in the room that morning. I know he is watching down on us. He shows me signs every day. I will hold onto this memory forever."

Scott added, "I will remember the sound of Nick's voice saying 'it's a girl' and the look of everything we've been through flash across his face. I will remember the sound of her crying out with her first breath and feeling her heartbeat against mine."

"My sweet girl, I got my surprise!! We love you Halo Marie Cannon! 🤍."

Alyssa Scott Instagram

On Jan. 12, 2023, Scott shared a video on her Instagram Story that featured sweet photos from Halo's newborn photo shoot. "She has changed so much already 🥺," Scott wrote over the video. Later that month, Scott posted another video on her Instagram Story featuring her and Halo spending time outside.

One video slowly zoomed in on the infant, who lounged on a baby pillow in the grass. Another clip featured Scott wearing a long-sleeved white maxi dress as she rocked Halo and sang to her. "Happy mama happy halo 🤍," she wrote in the corner of the video.