Inside the Secretive Life of Jordan Knight and Wife Evelyn Melendez (2024)

From the vibrant stages of the late 1980s to the digital screens of today, Jordan Knight has carved a unique path through the music industry as the lead vocalist of New Kids on the Block.

The band, which burst onto the scene with their catchy hooks and synchronized dances, quickly became a defining feature of teen pop culture. Their ascent was meteoric; albums turned platinum, and concerts sold out stadiums worldwide, marking them as a phenomenon of their era.

As Knight wove his high-pitched falsetto through hits like Step by Step and I’ll Be Loving You (Forever), his unique connection with audiences made him a standout. Despite this public admiration and constant spotlight, Jordan maintained a mysterious edge—a private life starkly contrasting with his public persona.

This contrast was particularly apparent in his relationship with his wife, Evelyn Melendez. The couple took a different approach than most celebrities, choosing to live away from the prying eyes of social media and maintain a low profile.

Their decision to keep their marriage and family life away from the public eye has intrigued fans and media alike, sparking curiosity about the depth and nature of their relationship.

Jordan and Evelyn’s Companionship That Has Lasted Over Two Decades

Jordan and his wife, Evelyn, have built a life filled with personal moments and challenges. They married on September 12, 2004, and during the ceremony, Knight surprised his bride with an impromptu performance of I’ll Be Loving You (Forever).

Talking about his performance on their big day, Jordan said,

It was kind of impromptu. There was a piano on wheels and a friend of mine pushed it in and was like, ‘And, now Jordan’s going to sing, ‘I’ll Be Loving You (Forever)!’ He put me on the spot, so I sang it.

“She loved it. When I was singing, I was really feeling it and meaning it, so I think she knew that. We both cried and it was definitely a beautiful moment,” Jordan reminisced about his wife’s reaction in a 2019 conversation with ET.

According to an old conversation found online, he met Evelyn when he was about 12 years old. “I went to her family’s house for meals,” Jordan recalled.

Jordan and Evelyn have been blessed with two wonderful sons. Their first son, Dante Jordan, was born on August 25, 1999. Around eight years later, on February 21, 2007, they welcomed their second son, Eric Jacob Knight.

His Struggle with Alcoholism

Jordan openly discussed his struggle with alcoholism, revealing that it became a significant issue over six years. “Well, I quit drinking five, six years ago,” the humble heartthrob, 54, shared with OK Magazine during a 2012 interview. “I was an alcoholic, for sure. It became a problem steadily over the course of six years.”

He added, “It wasn’t pretty. I was in pain, for sure, and I needed to stop. One day I woke up with an atrocious hangover, and it hurt so badly that I told myself, ‘It’s time to stop. I can’t do it anymore. It’s not good. It hurts too much.’”

One significant reason for his decision to stop was his family, including his wife Evelyn and their two sons. “I told myself, ‘I need to cut the crap. You’ve got to grow up. I had to mature basically.’”

Jordan began his journey to recovery by attending support groups. Now, more than a decade later, he relies heavily on the support of his friends and family to maintain his sobriety. “Social support is everything. It’s just the acceptance and love,” he explained.

Reflecting on avoiding old habits, Jordan mentioned that developing good habits over time makes them more attractive. Seeing others struggle reminds him why he doesn’t want to return to that state, noting that things are much better now.

Are They Still Together?

Yes, Jordan and Evelyn are still together. Despite rumors in the tabloids, there is no credible information supporting claims of their separation.

In a 2019 interview with ET, Knight expressed his enduring love for his wife, revealing that singing “I’ll Be Loving You (Forever)” still brings back the same feelings he had on their wedding day in 2004. He remarked, “I honestly feel the same way performing it now as I did then,” highlighting how their marriage continues to thrive with the same affection and connection.

Evelyn and Jordan reside in their Milton, Massachusetts home with their children. They bought the 2,252 square-foot mansion, featuring 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, in June 2020 for around $575k.