In a rare moment, Nick Jonas opened up to Jay Shetty about the challenges him and his wife, Priyanka Chopra, faced upon the birth of their child, Malti Marie.
Image: Instagram.
In a recent episode of the "On Purpose with Jay Shetty" podcast, global star Nick Jonas opened up about the premature birth of his daughter, Malti Marie Chopra-Jonas.
While Jonas and his wife, Priyanka Chopra, have mentioned her NICU stay before, this interview was a rare, vulnerable look at just how critical those first moments were.
Jonas shared that Malti was born via surrogate in January 2022, a full three months before her April due date. He recalled getting a sudden call that the birth was happening much sooner than expected.
"Our daughter, she came into the world under very intense circumstances, which I've not really talked about ever. When she came out, she was 1 pound, 11 ounces (less than a kg), and purple, basically.
"These angels at the NICU resuscitated her in that moment and got her taken care of really quickly," he said.
Because of Covid-19 rules and Malti's fragile health, Nick and Priyanka spent over 100 days living in the hospital.
"My wife and I would basically do 12-hour shifts at the hospital for 3 and a half months. I can still sort of smell it. There is always visceral things. It was both comforting and frightening to be there every day and to see other families going through similar situations," he said.
After a long battle and six blood transfusions, Malti finally grew strong enough to go home. Nick believes that the difficult start shaped who she is now.
"She fought every day for three and a half months and slowly started to gain some weight. After six blood transfusions, she was doing great, and we got to take her home. I feel like she knows how she entered the world and what that first chapter of her life was like, so every day is a gift.
"You can actually feel it on her in the way she behaves and how exciting everything is. I don't know how much she remembers, probably nothing, but spiritually I believe that there's gratitude in her and she's incredible."
Fans were quick to praise Nick for his vulnerability. Many found his journey as a new father deeply moving.
Gabrielle Haab wrote: "Oh wow, what an amazing, scary experience, but eye-opening thing to see in your child. Beautiful."
Veronica Zet wrote: "Every day is a gift, he is right. I wish you and your family the best."
Ma Rosana Angelica Ceralde said, "A moment of pure joy, thanks for sharing Nick's story, it's truly inspiring to hear about the birth of his daughter and his journey as a new father."
Shetty also shared his thoughts on Instagram, highlighting how much Jonas has grown through his personal challenges and therapy.
"I’ve travelled with @nickjonas on tour, had dinners with the guys and now finally in the studio. But he talked about things I’ve never heard him share. Like the birth of his child, his childhood in the industry, his personal challenges and emotions.
"I really feel like Nick is dedicated to figuring out who he is, and I loved seeing him open up about what that looks like through therapy and his beautiful relationship with his wife @priyankachopra. This interview is Nick, raw, unfiltered and true."
Watch the full podcast below.