Brian McKnight and his wife, Leilani McKnight, recently celebrated their son Brian Kainoa Makoa McKnight Jr.’s 2nd birthday.
Earlier this month, the proud parents took to Instagram to reflect on their little one’s journey and the incredible experiences they’ve shared as a family.
In a joint New Year’s post, they shared just how extraordinary the past two years have been. “Happy New Year! We brought in the New Year celebrating Junior’s 2nd trip around the sun and 2nd trip around the world with 25 countries in 24 months!”
The couple also penned a loving message to their son. “Dear Junior, You are the center of our universe, our entire world and the love of all our lives! This has been 2 of the very best years of our lives and it’s all because of YOU our precious perfect baby boy!!!”
Brian’s devotion to his son goes beyond sweet words. In 2023, the R&B singer legally changed his name to Brian Kainoa Makoa McKnight Sr. to match his son name.
Sharing the news with his fans, he wrote, “So proud to introduce our son BRIAN KAINOA MAKOA JR. to the world with the release of my new album lovingly created for him. JR. because I am also proud to officially announce that I have legally changed my name to exactly match my legacy’s. My legal name is now BRIAN KAINOA MAKOA MCKNIGHT SR.”
The singer, who has four children from previous relationships has publicly distanced himself from his older kids.
This decision has sparked conversations among fans, but Brian maintains that the estrangement is mutual.
“I want to address the abandonment issues for the last time,” Brian stated in a 2023 message. “Those kids and I have had a long history of conflicts, mutual estrangements, and resolutions.”
“But there was a time when we were truly a successfully blended family,” McKnight shared. “Julia, Jack, BJ, Nico, and Brianna. Our home was filled with love and acceptance so much that the kids were all calling each other siblings contrary to the picture that’s been online.”
