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Brian McKnight just hit 56, and his wife, Leilani Mendoza, made sure to lift her hubby’s mood following the recent tragic events unfolding in their lives! The couple, married since 2017, celebrated Brian’s big day out in China. But the vibes were understandably bittersweet. Just days before, the singer had attended the memorial of his estranged son, Niko, who passed away from cancer. His demise, revealed by Brians brother, Claude, sparked a family feud, with the New York native addressing the drama in a post shortly after. From loss to love, heres the lowdown on Brians emotional week.
Leilani came through with all the love for Brian McKnights 56th birthday on June 5, amid recent circumstances. Posting from the Great Wall of China, she shared a sweet photo of her husband soaking in the view and appearing to be deep in thought. Meanwhile, her accompanying caption was all about love and admiration for the man she calls her partner.
Happy Birthday Boopy! she wrote. Today, on the Great Wall of China, we celebrate the day God placed the most extraordinary man on this earth 56 years agothe man who is my husband, my heart, my Superman. You are our familys rock, our hero, and the love of my life.
Leilani went on to praise Brians loving strength and unwavering integrity, saying its an incredible honor to be his wife and raise their kids together. If the world could catch even a glimpse of the man we see theyd understand just how deeply blessed we are by you, she added.
Hauoli l hnau, my love. I fall in love with you more every day. You are my dream come true, my answered prayer, my everything.
The endearing Instagram post was met with heartfelt responses from people who continued to send their condolences and prayers to the family after Nikos recent passing. Heres what some of them had to say
@_chopjohnson wrote, Happy Birthday Big Guy! Life is an obstacle when dealing with multiple spirits and people that never want to see the best for you no matter how great your are.
@jballzng shared, Congratulations and happy birthday@brianmcknight23may God and guide and bless your path with peace as you celebrate this phase of your life.
Elsewhere, @crews9048 shared, Happy Birthday Gemini Twin! Keep your head up!
@healthy_living_chic wrote, Happy birthday!! It’s my favorite singer since I was 18 years old!! Teddy Pendergrass of my era!!
@alicevaughan.xo wrote, Happy birthday, hopefully everything goes well for all the family
@deb7569 wrote, Happy Happy Birthday to you B I Pray for you all continuously May God continue to Bless you & your family Always!
@rodney.east wrote, Happy Birthday Bro, Hope u enjoy your Special Day, Sendn Much Love & Blessings 2 u &@leilani_211& The Family From The East!!
Just one day before his birthday, Brian was not in a celebratory mood. The singer took to Instagram on June 4, clapping back at his brother, Claude, for announcing the passing of Brians estranged son on TikTok. Niko, who was just 32, lost his battle with cancer after a two-year fight, and Brian was heated about how the news was shared.
In a fiery reel, Brian called Claudes post tasteless and self-aggrandizing, saying it was not his announcement to make. He felt his brother turned Nikos death into a circus and a reality show type drama, instead of letting him pass with respect and dignity.
Brian revealed hed quietly flown to Maui for a private memorial to honor Niko, reminiscing on all the good times. He also shared that he had offered Niko top-tier medical care, including the number one oncologist and a team of specialists. But Niko and his mother, Julie McKnight, declined.
The door of communication was open and remained open until his death, Brian added, hinting at their strained relationship. “To the self proclaimed ‘mama bear’ may God have mercy on your soul for not allowing him to accept that help and not allowing him to use that line of communication.”
