Elon Musk’s wives—A closer look at the billionaire’s love life

From tech mogul to devoted father, Elon Musk’s private life is as dynamic as his career. As the father of 12, Musk has faced personal triumphs and tragedies, including the loss of his firstborn. Now, with a bold plan to unite his family in Texas, Musk’s personal journey continues to captivate the world.

Elon Musk’s first wife, Justine Musk, was a central figure in his early life. The couple met at Queen’s University in Ontario and married in 2000. Their union brought joy with the birth of their first child, Nevada Alexander, in 2002. However, tragedy struck when Nevada passed away at just 10 weeks old due to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Musk, often reserved about his emotions, once shared: “My firstborn son died in my arms. I felt his last heartbeat.” Despite their profound grief, the couple had five more children: twins in 2004 and triplets in 2006, before divorcing in 2008.

Reflecting on their split, Justine described their relationship as a mix of success and cliché: “My life with this man had devolved to a cliché.” Musk’s next chapter, however, was anything but ordinary.

Talulah Riley: the actress who married Musk twice

Shortly after divorcing Justine, Musk found love with British actress Talulah Riley. The couple married in 2010 but faced turbulence, leading to a divorce in 2012. Defying the odds, they remarried in 2013 only to separate again in 2016. Despite their complex history, Riley describes Musk warmly: “He looks out for me… I have the utmost love for him.”

While they never had children together, Riley helped raise Musk’s five children from his first marriage, forming an unconventional but caring family dynamic.

Unconventional parenting with Shivon Zilis

In 2022, the world learned about Musk’s quiet relationship with Shivon Zilis, an executive at his company Neuralink. The pair welcomed twins via IVF and had a third child via surrogacy in 2024. Despite their close ties, Zilis insists their relationship was professional, explaining: “Musk encouraged me to have children because he really wants smart people to have kids.”

This revelation raised questions about workplace ethics, yet it also underscored Musk’s focus on expanding his family tree.

Musk’s relationship with Canadian musician Grimes (Claire Boucher) began in 2018 and immediately made headlines. The unlikely pair welcomed three children, including X Æ A-12, whose name sparked global curiosity. Their relationship has been described as “fluid,” with Grimes calling Musk her “semi-boyfriend.”

In 2023, Grimes filed a lawsuit regarding custody of their children, highlighting the challenges of co-parenting while maintaining separate lives.

Estranged relationships and family tensions

Not all of Musk’s relationships with his children have been smooth. His 20-year-old daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, legally changed her name and gender in 2022, distancing herself from Musk. She stated in court filings: “I no longer live with or wish to be related to my biological father in any way, shape or form.” Musk, in turn, blamed cultural influences, referring to what he called the “woke mind virus.”

This estrangement has sparked public debate about Musk’s parenting and his views on gender identity.

Looking ahead, Musk is pursuing a plan to bring his family closer together. Reports suggest he’s building a $35 million Tuscan-style mansion complex in Austin, Texas. This ambitious project aims to house Musk’s blended family, making it easier for him to spend time with his younger children.

The estate, located near Musk’s current Austin mansion, reflects his desire to promote unity and co-parenting among his children and their mothers. Whether the plan succeeds remains to be seen, but it underscores Musk’s determination to manage his personal life with the same ambition he brings to his business ventures.

Despite his complex family dynamics, Musk often shares his parenting philosophies. He’s joked that “raising a kid is basically 18 years of prompt engineering,” blending humor with insight. Musk has also advised parents to focus on education and start families sooner, stating: “Having children is saving the world.”

As Musk balances his roles as a tech innovator, father, and public figure, his story continues to fascinate. From his bold technological endeavors to his intricate personal life, Musk’s journey reflects a unique blend of ambition and vulnerability.

With his latest family project underway, one thing is certain: Elon Musk’s story is far from over, and the world will be watching every twist and turn.