Elon Musk, 52, is a well-known entrepreneur and innovator, holding key roles as the founder, CEO, and chief engineer of SpaceX, CEO of Tesla, Inc., and owner and former CEO of Twitter (now rebranded as “X”). Musk is also a co-founder of Neuralink and OpenAI, with a substantial net worth estimated at around $240 billion. Beyond his professional achievements, Musk’s personal life is equally complex, as he is a father of 12 children. His family life involves relationships with three women, each contributing to his extensive family.
Early Tragedy and Parenthood
Musk’s journey into parenthood began with his first child, Nevada Alexander Musk, born in 2002 with his then-wife, Canadian author Justine Wilson. Tragically, Nevada passed away at just 10 weeks old from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). This devastating loss profoundly affected Musk, a subject he rarely discusses publicly. Despite the heartbreak, Musk and Wilson continued to expand their family, turning to in vitro fertilization (IVF) to welcome twins Griffin and Vivian Jenna in April 2004, and triplets Kai, Saxon, and Damian in January 2006. The twins and triplets, now aged 20 and 18 respectively, were all conceived through IVF.
A Strained Relationship
Among Musk’s children, Vivian Jenna Musk, formerly known as Xavier, gained public attention in 2022 for legally changing her name and gender. This change marked a significant moment in the family, as Vivian sought to distance herself from her father, reportedly due to ideological differences. Musk has commented on the estrangement, attributing it to what he describes as “neo-Marxist” influences within educational institutions, reflecting a broader critique of contemporary cultural trends.
Expanding Family with Grimes
Musk’s relationship with Canadian musician Grimes (Claire Elise Boucher) further expanded his family. Their first child, a son named X Æ A-Xii, was born in May 2020. The couple’s second child, a daughter named Exa Dark Sideræl, was born via surrogate in December 2021. A third child, named Techno Mechanicus, also known as Tau, was recently revealed in Walter Isaacson’s biography of Musk. The unique names of these children underscore the couple’s unconventional approach to both naming and parenting, with Grimes often providing insights into the meanings behind these names.
Twins with Shivon Zilis
In a more private chapter of Musk’s family life, he fathered twins with Shivon Zilis, a Neuralink executive, in November 2021. This aspect of Musk’s personal life was initially kept away from the public eye, although Musk later clarified that the twins were not a secret to those close to them. Zilis, who has a professional relationship with Musk, adds another dimension to the already intricate family dynamics, as they co-parent the children.
Education and Philosophy
Musk’s approach to education for his children is as innovative as his professional endeavors. He founded the school Ad Astra, which has since evolved into Astra Nova, an online school emphasizing non-traditional subjects such as artificial intelligence, applied sciences, and coding. This institution eschews conventional grading systems, reflecting Musk’s belief in fostering curiosity and self-directed learning. He has noted that his children learn a great deal from online resources like YouTube and Reddit, highlighting his advocacy for alternative educational methods.
Motivations and Concerns
Musk’s decision to have a large family is partly motivated by his concerns about declining global birth rates, which he views as a critical threat to the future of civilization. He has frequently spoken about the dangers of underpopulation, positioning his family choices within a broader context of his views on global demographic trends. This perspective is consistent with Musk’s overarching worldview, which often emphasizes large-scale, long-term thinking.
Legacy and Personal Life
Elon Musk’s life, marked by groundbreaking innovations and a significant personal journey, reflects a complex interplay between his professional and personal spheres. The loss of his first child, the evolving dynamics with his other children, and the unique relationships with their mothers highlight a deeply personal side of Musk that contrasts with his public persona as a tech visionary. As Musk continues to influence the future through his companies, his large and diverse family remains a crucial part of his legacy, illustrating the multifaceted nature of his life and impact.