If you were a teenager in the late 80s or early 90s, Jordan Knight was probably plastered all over your bedroom walls. That falsetto? Unmatched. The moves? Iconic. But while the neon lights of the New Kids on the Block (NKOTB) era burned bright, the man behind the "Right Stuff" has spent the last few decades building something far more permanent than a platinum record.
Honestly, it’s kind of a miracle. In an industry where "boy band" usually translates to "public meltdown" or "string of messy divorces," Jordan Knight has managed to keep his feet on the ground in Milton, Massachusetts.
Jordan Knight and Family: The Quiet Life in Milton
Most people think being a global pop star means living in a glass mansion in Hollywood. Jordan didn't do that. Instead, he stayed close to his roots.
He’s been married to Evelyn Melendez since 2004. Think about that for a second. In celebrity years, a twenty-plus-year marriage is basically an eternity. They were together long before the "reunited" NKOTB craze started in 2008, having met in the late 90s.
They have two sons: Dante Jordan, born in 1999, and Eric Jacob, who arrived in 2007.
The couple is notoriously private. You won't see them on a reality show screaming at each other. You won't see Evelyn chasing clout on TikTok. Jordan even took a massive step back from social media in recent years, closing his official Instagram and Twitter accounts around 2021 to focus on being present. It’s a move that feels almost radical today.
The Canadian Connection and the "Jubilee House"
Jordan’s upbringing wasn't exactly the "street" image the early marketing might have suggested. He was the youngest of six kids born to Canadian parents, Allan Knight and Marlene Putnam.
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His dad was an Episcopal priest. His mom was a social worker.
The family grew up in a massive, 20-room Victorian house in Dorchester. It was called the "Jubilee House." Because his parents were deeply involved in the community, the house was often a group home for foster kids and teenagers in need.
Imagine growing up in a household where there’s always someone new at the dinner table. It shaped him. It’s probably why he’s so level-headed now.
The Siblings
- Jonathan Knight: The fellow New Kid and Jordan's older brother. They are incredibly close.
- Allison, Sharon, David, and Christopher: The other siblings who mostly stayed out of the limelight, though Chris was occasionally involved in the early music scene.
What Happened to the Divorce Rumors?
If you spend ten minutes on a gossip forum, you'll see people swearing up and down that Jordan and Evelyn are divorced. It’s been a recurring theme for a decade.
Here’s the reality: they are still together.
The rumors usually start because Evelyn doesn't walk every red carpet. But if you look at the 2020 NKOTB "Holiday Potluck" livestream, Jordan was right there talking about the family getting two new mini poodles, Milo and Luna. He’s been spotted at local events in Milton, supporting his sons’ graduations and running his business.
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Speaking of business, Jordan isn't just sitting on royalty checks. He’s a partner in Novara, an Italian restaurant in East Milton Square. He’s more of an "ambassador" than a guy in the kitchen, but he’s there. He hosts charity events like "Dancing for Hope" there every year.
Raising Kids in the Shadow of Fame
Dante and Eric are mostly grown now. Dante is well into his 20s, and Eric is a teenager.
Jordan once told People Magazine that fatherhood was "the best thing I've ever done." He was a self-proclaimed "night owl," which worked out during the baby years. He’d stay up until 5:00 AM so Evelyn could sleep, then he'd handle the feedings.
He's intentionally kept his kids away from the "nepo baby" spotlight. They aren't trying to be influencers. They’re just kids from Massachusetts whose dad happens to be able to hit a high C in front of 20,000 people.
The Brotherly Bond with Jonathan
The dynamic between Jordan and Jonathan is fascinating. While Jordan was the quintessential frontman, Jonathan struggled with intense anxiety and eventually found peace in real estate and renovation.
Recently, we've seen them team up on HGTV’s Farmhouse Fixer: Camp Revamp. It’s a different side of Jordan Knight and family dynamics. Watching the two brothers work together on a construction site—using skills their father taught them as kids—shows a level of normality you don't expect from pop idols.
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Jordan has admitted he’s not the "handyman" Jon is, but he’s there for the support. It’s a full-circle moment for two guys who started singing in a church choir in Dorchester.
Why It Works
- Geography: Staying in Massachusetts kept them away from the "industry" bubble.
- Values: The influence of their priest father and social worker mother provided a moral compass.
- Privacy: By not oversharing, they’ve protected their internal bond from external commentary.
Moving Forward: What to Watch For
Jordan isn't retiring. The New Kids are still touring (and selling out) well into 2026. The cruises, the residency shows—it’s all still happening. But his priority remains the same.
If you want to follow Jordan’s journey or learn more about how he balances this life, don't look for a verified Instagram checkmark. He isn't there. Instead, look at the projects he does with his brother or the community work he does in Milton.
Next Steps for Fans and Researchers:
- Check out local Milton community news for updates on Novara’s charity events, where Jordan often makes appearances.
- Watch Farmhouse Fixer on HGTV to see the unscripted interactions between the Knight brothers.
- Focus on verified interviews from reputable outlets like People or Entertainment Tonight rather than anonymous forum threads when looking for family updates.
The story of Jordan Knight isn't a "where are they now" tragedy. It’s a "look how they made it" success story. He’s a guy who found a way to be a pop star without losing the person he was before the fame.