‘Lot of Pain’: Nick Cannon Debuts Tattoo In Honor of Late Son Zen

Nick Cannon recently honored his late son with a heartwarming tribute.

During the Friday, Dec. 10, episode of his self-titled daytime television show, the 41-year-old debuted a brand new piece of artwork — a tattoo of his late son Zen. The infant passed away last weekend from brain cancer. He was 5 months old.

Nick Cannon debuts tattoo in honor of son Zen
(Photo: “Nick Cannon Show”/YouTube

“This is a week where I’ve seen so much love. More love than I’ve probably ever experienced, so even in the midst of a loss, I gotta say thank you to y’all,” the actor told audience members before paying tribute to his son during his talk show’s “Pic of the Day” segment. Cannon revealed he got the tattoo done the night before “as an angel on my rib” while holding a framed photo of his completed piece.

“I’m still all bandaged up, and it hurts right here right now… It was a lot of pain, but it was so well worth it,” the father shared. “I enjoyed every moment of the experience to forever have my son right here as my rib, right here on my side, as my angel.” The Nickelodeon alumnus also shared a video of himself getting the tattoo. Viewers saw the host’s emotional first reaction to seeing his Zen’s image.

Cannon shares Zen with girlfriend and model Alyssa Scott. He is also dad to six other children from previous relationships, which subsequently hurled him into headlines after welcoming four new babies over seven months from December 2020 to June 2021.

Earlier this week, the “Love Don’t Cost a Thing” star opened up about his decision to resume taping following his tragic loss. Cannon said, “This isn’t work. This is love.” However, he still struggled and felt “guilty on so many levels.”

He added, “Yesterday, it was a little easier than today because yesterday I was so laser-focused and even numb. I just knew I just had to get it done. Today, I’m a little torn. I’m a little confused. Because it’s a hurting thing. I’m grieving. I feel guilty on so many levels,” the father shared.

Cannon shared Zen’s last photo with his mother. The two were at the beach where the model was holding the infant. Cannon later paid tribute to his late son by dedicating the show to him.