Evelyn Melendez Knight is a former fashion model and the wife of Jordan Knight, lead singer of New Kids on the Block. Born in 1970, she built her own modeling career in the 1990s before marrying Jordan in 2004. Together they have two sons and maintain a notably private family life.
Category | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Evelyn Melendez Knight |
Date of Birth | May 17, 1970 |
Age | 54 years (as of 2025) |
Nationality | American |
Profession | Former Model |
Height | 5’9″ (1.75 meters) |
Spouse | Jordan Knight (married 2004) |
Children | Dante Jordan Knight (born 1999), Eric Jacob Knight (born 2007) |
Net Worth | $100,000 – $1 million (estimated) |
Evelyn Melendez was born on May 17, 1970, in the United States. She holds American nationality and grew up in an environment that valued discretion — a trait that would define her adult life.
Details about her childhood, parents, and education remain private. Unlike many connected to celebrities, Evelyn has never shared family background information publicly. This isn’t an oversight. It’s a deliberate choice she made long before meeting Jordan Knight.
Her decision to keep personal history private has allowed her to maintain normalcy despite her husband’s fame. While fans know plenty about Jordan’s childhood in Boston, Evelyn’s early years stay off the record.
Evelyn Melendez began her career in modeling in the 1990s. She worked with various fashion companies and participated in photo shoots throughout the decade. Her height of 5’9″ gave her a natural advantage in an industry where physical presence matters.
She maintained a distinct separation between her modeling career and her connection to Jordan Knight. This separation was unusual. Many people in similar positions would use celebrity connections to advance their careers. Evelyn took the opposite approach.
She built her professional reputation independently. While specific campaigns and brands remain undisclosed, her work was substantial enough to establish financial independence before marriage. By the time she met Jordan, she had already created her own identity in the fashion world.
The modeling work gave her financial stability and confidence. It also taught her how the entertainment industry works — knowledge that would prove valuable in her future life as a celebrity spouse.
Evelyn and Jordan met in the late 1990s, during a transitional period for New Kids on the Block. The band had broken up in 1994, and Jordan was exploring solo projects. Their relationship started quietly, away from tabloid attention.
They received their first child Dante in 1999 (on August 25). Having a child before marriage wasn’t uncommon, but it showed their commitment to building a family on their own timeline rather than following public expectations.
Their courtship lasted several years before they formalized their relationship. This extended dating period allowed them to build a strong foundation without pressure from fans or media. Jordan was navigating his career shift, and Evelyn provided stability during uncertain times.
The couple kept their relationship details private from the start. No public proposals, no magazine exclusives, no social media announcements. Just two people building a life together away from cameras.
Knight has been married to Evelyn Melendez since 2004. They got married five years later in 2004 (on September 12th). The ceremony was private, attended only by close friends and family members.
They have two sons, Dante Jordan (born August 25, 1999) and Eric Jacob (born February 21, 2007). Both boys have been raised outside the public eye. You won’t find their photos splashed across tabloids or social media feeds.
This privacy approach extends to parenting decisions. Evelyn and Jordan made a conscious choice to give their sons normal childhoods. While Jordan’s career requires public appearances, family time stays protected.
The couple faced challenges in 2012 when rumors about their marriage surfaced. Media reports suggested they had separated. However, they worked through these difficulties privately and remained together. Their ability to handle marital problems without public drama demonstrates their commitment to privacy.
Evelyn has been a dedicated mother, balancing her family life with her modeling career while maintaining a low public profile. She focuses on day-to-day parenting rather than celebrity lifestyle maintenance.
As of 2025, her estimated net worth is between $100,000 and $1 million, depending on various sources. This comes primarily from her modeling career, though exact figures aren’t publicly available.
Her husband, Jordan Knight, has an estimated net worth of $18 million, thanks to his successful career as a singer, songwriter, and actor. The significant difference in net worth is expected given Jordan’s decades-long music career and multiple revenue streams.
Evelyn’s financial independence before marriage gave her options. She didn’t need to marry for money or security. This financial autonomy likely contributed to the strength of their relationship — both partners chose each other freely, without economic pressure.
Although she is no longer working as a model, her past success gave her financial stability. Her transition away from modeling happened naturally as she focused on raising their children.
Reports suggest the couple has invested in property, with estimated holdings valued at $3–5 million. Real estate investments provide long-term security for their family.
Evelyn’s approach to privacy is rare in modern celebrity culture. She doesn’t maintain public social media accounts. She doesn’t give interviews. She doesn’t attend red carpet events unless absolutely necessary.
This isn’t about hiding. It’s about choosing what matters. While Jordan’s career requires public engagement, Evelyn’s role doesn’t. She appears occasionally in family photos shared by Jordan, but always on her terms.
Her absence from social media is particularly notable. In an era where many people share every detail online, Evelyn’s digital silence speaks volumes. She doesn’t need public validation or attention to feel fulfilled.
Public sightings are rare and usually connected to supporting Jordan at specific events. She attends some concerts and appearances but stays in the background. Paparazzi photos of her are uncommon because she doesn’t create opportunities for them.
This low profile benefits their children. Dante and Eric can attend school, play sports, and live normal lives without constant recognition. Evelyn’s commitment to privacy directly protects their childhood experience.
Jordan’s career has had multiple phases — from New Kids on the Block’s original run in the late 1980s and early 1990s, to his solo career, to the band’s reunion starting in 2008. Evelyn has been present through several of these stages.
She helped Jordan Knight through personal struggles, raised their two sons away from the spotlight, and kept her marriage strong through the years. This support happened behind the scenes, where real work gets done.
During NKOTB’s reunion tours, Evelyn managed household responsibilities while Jordan traveled. She handled parenting logistics, maintained family routines, and provided stability at home. This allowed Jordan to focus on performing without worrying about family needs.
Her support doesn’t require public acknowledgment. She doesn’t need credit for being a supportive spouse. The strength of their long-term marriage speaks to her contribution.
Jordan has occasionally mentioned Evelyn in interviews, always with respect for her privacy preferences. He understands the value she brings without needing to publicize it.
Many celebrity spouses use their partner’s fame to build personal brands. They launch products, gain social media followings, or pursue entertainment careers. Evelyn chose differently.
In a world where many people chase attention, Evelyn Melendez is different. Her difference isn’t about being better or worse than others. It’s about knowing what she wants and staying true to those values.
She had her own career before meeting Jordan. She didn’t need his fame to define her. This independence created a healthier relationship dynamic where both partners maintain separate identities.
Her choice to prioritize family over fame shows clear values. She could easily leverage her connection to Jordan for business opportunities, media attention, or social media influence. Instead, she focuses on raising their sons and maintaining a stable home environment.
This approach benefits everyone in the family. Jordan can pursue his career knowing his family life stays protected. Their sons can grow up without constant public scrutiny. And Evelyn gets to live according to her own preferences rather than public expectations.
Success looks different for everyone. For Evelyn, success means a strong marriage, healthy children, and personal peace. She achieved all three without compromising her privacy or values.
Evelyn Melendez Knight built a modeling career in the 1990s, met Jordan Knight during his transition period, and created a family that values privacy above publicity. Her estimated net worth of $100,000 to $1 million reflects her independent career success before marriage.
Now 54 years old, she continues prioritizing family life over public attention. Her two sons, now young adults, benefited from her commitment to normal childhood experiences. Her marriage to Jordan has lasted over 20 years, surviving challenges that often break celebrity relationships.
Her story shows that celebrity-adjacent life doesn’t require constant visibility. You can support a famous spouse, raise children, and live meaningfully without social media accounts, interviews, or public appearances. Evelyn proves that privacy remains possible even when married to a pop culture icon.