Brian McKnight, the voice behind R&B classics like Back at One and Anytime, is facing a deep and personal loss. His estranged son, Nikolas “Niko” McKnight, has passed away at just 32 years old after a tough, two-year fight with stage 4 colon cancer. Niko died on May 29, 2025.
The father-son relationship had been rocky for a long time, something that played out more publicly than most would like. And as of now, Brian hasn’t released any kind of public response or tribute to his son’s passing.
Niko McKnight: A Talented Soul Lost Too Soon
Niko McKnight may not have had a close bond with his father, but that didn’t mean he lacked love or admiration from others in his life. His uncle, Claude McKnight, the founding member of the Grammy-winning group Take 6, broke the sad news on social media. He remembered Niko as “eccentric, inquisitive, and exceptionally talented,” someone whose energy and creativity could light up a room.
Niko McKnight wore many hats: singer, guitarist, photographer, and a true self-taught artist. Even while battling cancer, he stayed connected with his craft. His Instagram was filled with raw, honest reflections, stunning photos, and music that felt deeply personal. Fans loved that about him.
His Fight, His Story
In early 2024, Niko McKnight went public with his cancer diagnosis. He shared his journey online with a kind of courage that you can’t fake, talking openly about the ups and downs, the fear, the hope, and even his wish to reconcile with his father someday. Unfortunately, that reconciliation never happened.
His mother, Julie McKnight, a powerhouse vocalist and Brian’s ex-wife, posted a heartbreaking tribute. She described Niko as a “beloved husband, son, brother, uncle, and nephew,” and asked for privacy as their family grieves. In her words, Niko remained “compassionate and vibrant” till the very end. “He touched every life he encountered,” she wrote. “His light will never be forgotten.”
Brian McKnight’s Complicated Family History
Niko’s death reopens an emotional chapter in Brian McKnight’s life, one that’s sparked headlines and heavy conversations over the years. Brian has faced criticism for publicly distancing himself from his older children, including Niko, and even once referred to them as “products of sin,” a comment that didn’t sit well with many fans.
While Brian McKnight has since moved on with a new marriage and growing family, the wounds from past relationships seem to have never truly healed. With Niko’s passing, the chance for a mended relationship is now gone, leaving only what-ifs and unspoken words behind.
Social media has been flooded with tributes, some filled with grief, others with frustration. There’s love, there’s sadness, and, for some, there’s anger over how things ended.
Remembering Niko
Niko’s life was marked by quiet strength. Despite everything he was going through, he kept sharing moments that reminded people of how fragile and beautiful life can be. Friends and family describe him as kind, quick-witted, and deeply artistic, someone who brought light even while carrying his shadows.
He leaves behind his wife, his siblings, and a circle of loved ones who are now grappling with the void he’s left behind. But they also carry with them the joy of having known someone who lived life with honesty, talent, and heart.
In the End
Brian McKnight’s silence since Niko’s passing speaks volumes, but so does Niko’s life. Even in estrangement, even in illness, he showed the kind of grace and creativity that people don’t forget.
Yes, he’ll always be known as Brian McKnight’s son. But to those who knew him, Niko was something more: a beautiful, complex soul who lived and loved on his terms.
