R&B star Brian McKnight reportedly made zero effort to reunite with his estranged son Cole “Niko” McKnight before the 32-year-old died from Stage 4 colon cancer last week. Sources allege Niko’s father hasn’t even “reached out to the family” since Niko’s passing either.
A source close to the family exclusively told Page Six that the “Back at One” singer “did not contact or see Niko.” The source adds, “[He] has not reached out to the family.” The source continues, “[Niko] was surrounded by an abundance of love and support from those who truly mattered.”
Page Six reports that his loved ones included his wife Carla, his mother, Julie McKnight, his older brother, Brian McKnight Jr., and other extended family members. The source added, “He was not alone. He was deeply cherished very step of the way.”
RELATED: Brian McKnight Legally Changes His Name To Match His Infant Son’s Name
Brian McKnight’s Son Niko Passes After 2-Year Cancer Battle, His Mother Confirms
The world learned of Niko McKnight’s passing on Friday (May 30). His mother Julie, 53, took to her Instagram to confirm the news that her second child had passed away the day before. On Thursday (May 29), Niko McKnight succumbed to a two-year battle with cancer. He was 32.
She captioned a photo of herself with Niko and Brian Jr., “Nikolas was a cherished husband, son, brother, grandson, uncle, and nephew whose warmth, laughter, and love touched the lives of all who knew him.”
Julie continued, “Nikolas was a self taught artist of music and photography. His passing is an immeasurable loss to his family and all those who held him dear.” The grieving mother concluded by asking the public for privacy during this difficult time in the family’s lives.
RELATED: Brian McKnight Accuses Ex-Wife Of Blocking Help For Estranged Son With Cancer
Recapping Brian McKnight’s Estranged Relationship With Eldest 4 Children
As we previously shared, Brian McKnight — who shares sons Brian Jr. and Niko with Julie; daughter Briana McKnight with ex Patricia Driver; and son Clyde McKnight with an unidentified woman — has had an estranged relationship with his eldest four children for a few years. In 2019, the 55-year-old R&B singer called his eldest children “entitled.”
Brian Sr.’s tumultuous relationship with his eldest children even led him to legally change his name in October 2023 to become a senior to his then-newborn son, Brian Kainoa Makoa Jr., whom he shares with his wife, Leilani Mendoza. Brian Sr. did this despite already being a senior to his eldest son, Brian Jr., whom he shares with Niko’s mom, Julie.
In April 2024, Brian Sr. even stated that he would not claim his estranged biological children because they were the “product of sin.” During a Q&A on Instagram, he told fans, “In order to live a life that you love, you have to get rid of the evil and the negativity — even if that evil and negativity is related [to you].” The Q&A session led to Niko dragging his father on social media.
That same month, Brian McKnight also accused his ex-wife, Julie, of blocking his help for Niko during his cancer battle. Then in May of that year, Niko slammed his father and fellow R&B crooner Tyrese, who defended Brian Sr. for appearing to disown his children.
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