Shivon Zilis, the Neuralink executive and mother of four of Elon Musk’s children, revealed on X that their relationship ended abruptly, with Musk unfollowing her on the social media platform he owns. It’s hard to go from in love to let go in a week with no warning, but that’s just how it is sometimes,
Zilis wrote, describing the separation as sudden and unexplained. The 40-year-old Canadian tech executive, who had been romantically involved with Musk since 2016, emphasized her role as a place of safety, sense of calm, and love
for the billionaire amid his chaotic public life.
Zilis Shares Emotional Farewell and Family Reflections
Zilis’ post detailed her emotional struggle, expressing gratitude for the time she spent with Musk while acknowledging the tumultuous nature of his early life
and often tortured soul.
She described their children—twins Strider Sekhar Sirius and Azure Astra Alice, born in 2021, daughter Arcadia, born in 2024, and son Seldon Lycurgus, announced in February 2025—as four beautiful little loves of my life,
emphasizing that their bond would endure. I am so beyond grateful for our children and they make every single day the best day of my life,
she wrote. Despite the heartbreak, Zilis expressed hope for a continued co-parenting relationship, stating, I do hope and pray he and I can be great friends and coparents.
She also reflected on her role in Musk’s life, writing, I feel happy that I got to show Elon how it feels to be deeply understood, nurtured, and peacefully loved with stability and gentleness.
Zilis added, My heart is full knowing I got to do that, and I hope it leaves a lasting, good effect.
Zilis’ statement also highlighted her deep affection for Musk, declaring, I’ve loved him more than life itself
and crediting him with 100 lifetimes of knowledge.
She concluded with a farewell: I’m hurting, but care deeply about E and will always be cheering for his happiness.
God speed, Elon, the world is lucky to have you.
The post included a screenshot of a September 24 text exchange, where Musk responded to Zilis’ Love you very much
with Love you too,
and added, I would have invited her to the White House state dinner Donald Trump hosted for Chinese President Xi Jinping if he had known significant others were included.
Musk’s Public and Private Life Amid the Split
The breakup comes amid increased public scrutiny of Musk’s personal relationships. Zilis, who previously served on OpenAI’s board and worked at Neuralink, has been a semi-private figure in Musk’s life, though their family has occasionally appeared in the media. In February 2025, she accompanied Musk to a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Blair House, across from the White House, alongside their children. Zilis’ four children with Musk include the twins Strider Sekhar Sirius and Azure Astra Alice, born in 2021, daughter Arcadia, born in 2024, and son Seldon Lycurgus, announced in 2025.
Zilis’ post also referenced Musk’s public comments about her Indian heritage. During a December discussion with Indian entrepreneur Nikhil Kamath, Musk stated, and he also mentioned that one of their sons was given the middle name Sekhar, in honor of Nobel laureate and astrophysicist Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar. Musk’s history of high-profile relationships, including his marriages to Wilson and Riley, as well as his paternity of children with different women, has drawn ongoing media attention. His first wife, Justine Wilson, has previously criticized their marriage, describing it as marked by gaslighting
and leaving her feeling insignificant.
Real Estate and Living Arrangements in Question
The split sparks questions about Zilis’ future living arrangements. She had reportedly resided in Musk’s $35 million Austin, TX, compound with their children. The pair share twins Strider and Azure, who were born in 2021, as well as daughter Arcadia, born in 2024, and son Seldon Lycurgus, whose arrival was announced in February 2025,
according to Realtor.
Public Reaction and Wider Implications
Zilis’ post sparked mixed reactions, with some praising her candor and others criticizing her for airing dirty laundry
publicly. Bored Panda noted that users accused Zilis of betraying
Musk’s trust by sharing private messages. Meanwhile, Musk’s first wife, Justine, has previously described their marriage as marked by gaslighting,
adding context to the broader narrative of his personal relationships. Zilis’ decision to share text exchanges with Musk also drew scrutiny, with some users questioning the timing and intent of her disclosure.
Zilis concluded her post with a heartfelt farewell: I’m hurting, but care deeply about E and will always be cheering for his happiness. God speed, Elon, the world is lucky to have you.
USA Today reported that Musk had not publicly commented on the breakup as of October 2, 2026. The article also noted that Zilis’ post followed reports that Musk had unfollowed her on X, a move that triggered speculation about the relationship’s end. Despite the emotional tone of her statement, Zilis emphasized her commitment to co-parenting, writing, I do hope and pray he and I can be great friends and coparents.
mark.thompson business editor