What happened

TL;DR:

Jesy Nelson shared on 4 January 2026 that her twins have SMA Type 1.
The girls, Ocean Jade and Story Monroe, were born on 15 May 2025 at 31 weeks.
Media reports say treatment began early, which can help outcomes.
Early signs were weak leg movement and feeding problems.
Families should act fast if they spot similar signs in infants.

On 4 January 2026, singer Jesy Nelson said her eight month old twin daughters have spinal muscular atrophy Type 1. She posted an emotional video on Instagram. In it, she said doctors warned the girls may never walk but have started treatment. Entertainment Weekly and People both reported on the video and the diagnosis on 4 to 5 January 2026.

The Guardian also covered the story on 4 January 2026. It named the twins as Ocean Jade and Story Monroe. Reports said they were born premature in May 2025 and faced feeding and breathing support.

The key dates

15 May 2025. The twins were born at 31 weeks, according to People and Billboard coverage from May 2025.
4 January 2026. Nelson posted the Instagram video that revealed the diagnosis and current care, reported by Entertainment Weekly and The Guardian.
5 January 2026. More outlets amplified the update and summarized symptoms and treatment pathways.

What is SMA Type 1

Spinal muscular atrophy is a genetic condition that weakens muscles. Type 1 is the most severe infant form. It can affect breathing, swallowing, and movement. Without treatment, outcomes are poor. With early treatment, survival and function improve compared with the past. People and The Guardian explain this context in their reports.

The early signs Jesy described

Nelson said the twins showed little leg movement. Feeding was hard. One daughter needs breathing support. These match common signs of SMA Type 1 that clinicians watch for in infants. Entertainment Weekly notes that early signs were first put down to prematurity, then concerns grew over time.

A quick checklist for parents and carers

Use this as a prompt to seek medical care. It is not a diagnosis.

Sign in young infants	What to do
Floppy limbs or very weak leg kicks	Call your pediatrician the same day
Poor head control or neck strength	Ask for an urgent check
Trouble feeding or slow weight gain	Keep a log and seek care fast
Fast belly breathing or frequent chest infections	Go to urgent care or ER if severe
Family history of SMA or similar weakness	Ask about newborn screening and tests

Treatment and support

Reports say the twins have started treatment. People notes that Jesy thanked doctors for fast action and said care had saved their lives. In the UK, options can include gene therapy, SMN-boosting drugs, and strong respiratory and nutrition support. Entertainment Weekly mentions that early use of advanced therapy helps most.

Care plans also include vaccines, feeding help, and physical therapy. Families work with specialists at centers that see SMA often. Many countries offer support programs and registries. Talk with your local neuromuscular clinic for details.

The human side

Nelson said the past months were “the most heartbreaking time.” She also said her daughters will fight and “defy the odds.” The Guardian reported that she urged parents to act fast if they see similar signs. Public messages from fans and other artists followed within hours, according to Entertainment Weekly.

What we can confirm today

The Instagram video was posted on 4 January 2026.
Multiple outlets reported the twins’ SMA Type 1 diagnosis the same day or on 5 January 2026.
The twins were born on 15 May 2025 at 31 weeks, as covered by People and Billboard in May 2025.
Media accounts say treatment began early. Early treatment is linked to better outcomes in studies and in clinical guidance.

What remains private

The family has not publicly named the exact medicine, hospital schedule, or a day by day plan. Respect that privacy. Focus on the core message to seek help fast if you notice signs.

Why it matters

Public figures change how fast health messages spread. A clear, early warning can push families to seek care sooner. SMA Type 1 is rare, but early therapy and strong support can change a child’s path. Nelson used her platform to highlight the signs and the need for quick action.

Timeline recap

15 May 2025, birth at 31 weeks.
May 2025, media confirm the births with photos and statements.
Mid to late 2025, growing concern over weakness and feeding.
4 January 2026, public reveal of SMA Type 1 and current care.
5 January 2026, wide media coverage and public support.

Sources:

People, “Jesy Nelson Reveals 8-Month-Old Twin Daughters’ ‘Severe Muscular Disease’ Diagnoses,” https://people.com/jesy-nelson-twin-daughters-severe-muscular-disease-11878791, 5 January 2026.
The Guardian, “Former Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson says her twin babies may never walk,” https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/jan/04/little-mix-jesy-nelson-twin-babies-may-never-walk, 4 January 2026.
Entertainment Weekly, “Singer Jesy Nelson reveals heartbreaking news about 8-month-old twins,” https://ew.com/singer-jesy-nelson-reveals-heartbreaking-news-about-8-month-old-twins-11878841, 5 January 2026.
Billboard, “Jesy Nelson Gives Birth to Twins at 31 Weeks,” https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/jesy-nelson-twins-early-birth-ocean-story-1235974944/, 18 May 2025.