5 February 2026 (Navroze Bureau) : Singer and actor Nick Jonas has opened up emotionally about one of the most challenging phases of his life—his daughter Malti Marie’s prolonged stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Recalling the experience, Nick revealed that Malti underwent six blood transfusions and required constant medical care, prompting him and his wife, actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas, to spend months taking 12-hour shifts at the hospital.
Malti Marie, the couple’s first child, was born prematurely via surrogacy in January 2022. Her early arrival meant immediate medical intervention, and she spent over three months in the NICU. While Priyanka and Nick had previously spoken about the emotional toll of that period, Nick’s latest comments offer a deeper glimpse into the physical and mental endurance required during those months.
Speaking about the experience, Nick said that the couple essentially lived at the hospital, dividing their time into long shifts to ensure that one of them was always by their daughter’s side. “We did 12-hour shifts at the hospital for 3.5 months,” he shared, describing the period as exhausting, terrifying, and transformative.
One of the most difficult aspects, Nick revealed, was watching their newborn undergo multiple medical procedures, including six blood transfusions. For any parent, the idea of a child needing such intensive treatment is overwhelming, and Nick admitted that there were moments of deep fear and helplessness. Yet, he also spoke about the immense gratitude he feels toward the doctors, nurses, and medical staff who guided them through the ordeal.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas has previously described Malti as a “miracle baby,” and Nick echoed that sentiment, saying the experience reshaped his understanding of resilience and parenthood. He acknowledged that nothing prepares parents for the NICU journey, especially when it stretches over several months.
The couple made the conscious decision to support each other by working as a team. While one parent rested, the other stayed with Malti, ensuring she was never alone. Nick said this routine, though physically draining, helped them cope emotionally. It gave them structure during a time when everything else felt uncertain.
Nick also reflected on how the experience changed his priorities. Known globally as a pop star and performer, he admitted that during those months, everything else—including work—became secondary. “Nothing else mattered,” he said, noting that the hospital became their entire world.
Priyanka, who was also managing work commitments at the time, has spoken about how the experience deepened her respect for parents of premature babies and for healthcare workers. Nick’s recollection reinforces that perspective, highlighting the silent strength required by families navigating similar journeys.
The couple has since been open about advocating for NICU awareness and supporting families going through premature births. By sharing their story, Nick and Priyanka hope to reduce stigma and isolation often felt by parents in such situations. Many families, they say, suffer quietly, unaware that others—even celebrities—face the same fears.
Nick described the emotional rollercoaster of celebrating small victories—such as stable vitals or a successful procedure—while constantly bracing for setbacks. He said those moments taught him patience and gratitude in ways nothing else ever had.
Now that Malti Marie is healthy and growing, Nick says the difficult memories are accompanied by immense relief and thankfulness. He credits the experience with making him more present, more empathetic, and more grounded as a father.
Fans and fellow celebrities have responded with widespread support, praising the couple for their honesty and vulnerability. Many parents have shared their own NICU stories, finding comfort in knowing they are not alone.
Nick concluded by saying that while he would never wish such an experience on anyone, it profoundly shaped the way he and Priyanka approach life and parenthood. “You come out of it different,” he said, “stronger, but also more aware of how fragile life really is.”
Their story stands as a reminder that behind fame and success, celebrities face deeply human struggles—and that resilience, love, and partnership can help families endure even the most daunting challenges.
Summary:
Nick Jonas recalled his daughter Malti Marie’s NICU journey, revealing she needed six blood transfusions as he and Priyanka Chopra worked 12-hour hospital shifts for over three months.