In classic Elon Musk fashion, the billionaire tech mogul dropped a bombshell that immediately set the internet ablaze: he’s expecting his third child with longtime partner Shivon Zilis — making it his ninth child overall. But in true Musk style, the shocking announcement came with a twist: no plans for marriage, no titles, and no apologies.
Baby No. 9 on the Way
Speaking during a Q&A at a SpaceX innovation summit in Boca Chica, Texas, the 54-year-old Tesla and SpaceX CEO casually let it slip:
“Yeah, Shivon and I are expecting another baby. It’s going to be amazing. I love being a dad.”
While the crowd broke into applause, social media exploded with the news — and confusion. For many, the most surprising part wasn’t the pregnancy itself but Musk’s firm stance on their relationship status. Despite being partners for well over a decade, Musk stated plainly:
“She doesn’t need a title. No fiancée, no wife — just someone brilliant I love and respect. That’s enough.”
Who Is Shivon Zilis?
Zilis, 39, is a highly accomplished tech executive and AI specialist who has worked closely with Musk at both Neuralink and OpenAI. Described by insiders as “Elon’s intellectual equal,” Shivon has remained largely private despite her growing association with one of the world’s most public figures.
The couple already shares twins born in 2021, conceived via IVF, and have managed to maintain a low profile compared to Musk’s more high-profile relationships with singer Grimes and actress Talulah Riley.

The Internet Reacts: Support, Memes & Controversy
News of the baby immediately went viral, drawing a storm of mixed reactions online:
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Supporters praised Musk’s honesty and non-traditional approach to relationships, calling it “refreshingly modern” and “a win for personal freedom.”
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Critics accused him of sidestepping commitment, questioning what kind of example he’s setting for his children.
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Memers, of course, had a field day, with one viral tweet reading:
“Elon Musk is building a team of future CEOs. Baby #9 just dropped like a new Tesla model.”
“Legacy Through Intelligence”
Musk has long spoken about concerns over population decline, frequently warning that “civilization is at risk if people don’t have more children.” Sources close to Musk say that his decision to have more children with Zilis is not just personal — it’s philosophical.
“Shivon is one of the smartest people I know,” Musk reportedly told a colleague. “If I’m going to have children, I want them to have the best genetic shot at making the world better.”

What’s Next?
Though he declined to provide a due date, Musk hinted that the baby could arrive by early 2026. When asked whether he would slow down as a father of nine, Musk laughed:
“There’s no pause button on progress — or parenting.”
Bottom Line:
Elon Musk is once again challenging not just industries, but norms. With a ninth child on the way, no marriage in sight, and a defiantly modern approach to family, he’s building more than rockets — he’s building a legacy that’s as unconventional as he is.chiu