Evelyn Melendez Knight is an American former fashion model best known as the wife of Jordan Knight, lead singer of New Kids on the Block. Born May 17, 1970, she built a successful modeling career before choosing family life over fame. Now 55, she lives privately in Milton, Massachusetts with Jordan and their two sons.
Quick Facts About Evelyn Melendez Knight
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Evelyn Melendez Knight |
| Date of Birth | May 17, 1970 |
| Age | 55 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Former Fashion Model |
| Height | 5’9″ (1.75 m) |
| Spouse | Jordan Knight (married September 12, 2004) |
| Children | Dante Jordan Knight (b. 1999), Eric Jacob Knight (b. 2007) |
| Residence | Milton, Massachusetts |
| Estimated Net Worth | $100,000 – $1 million |
Early Life and Background
Evelyn Melendez was born in the United States on May 17, 1970. She holds American nationality and grew up away from public attention.
Details about her childhood, parents, and education remain private. She has never shared information about her family background in interviews or public statements. This commitment to privacy began early and continues today.
Unlike many who seek fame through celebrity connections, Evelyn built her own career first. Her modeling work in the 1990s established her professionally before she became known as Jordan Knight’s wife.
Modeling Career in the 1990s and 2000s
Evelyn Melendez worked as a fashion model from the 1990s through the early 2010s. She appeared in fashion shows and worked with various brands during an era when the modeling industry was growing rapidly.
Her career included runway work and photo shoots, though specific campaigns and brand partnerships remain undocumented. At 5’9″, her height suited modeling requirements of that time.
She never pursued celebrity status through her work. Instead, she maintained professionalism and built respect within the fashion industry. By the mid-2000s, she stepped back from modeling to focus on family life.
Her decision to leave modeling came naturally. With two young sons and a husband touring worldwide, she chose family over career — a choice she has never publicly regretted.
Meeting Jordan Knight: A Private Romance
Evelyn met Jordan Knight in the early 1990s through mutual friends. They began dating in 1992, when Jordan was navigating his solo career after New Kids on the Block’s initial success.
Their relationship developed quietly. Jordan has mentioned in interviews that Evelyn supported him during difficult personal times, including struggles with alcohol. She stood by him without seeking media attention.
The couple experienced challenges, including a brief separation in 1996. They reunited and their relationship strengthened through shared values and mutual respect.
Their first son, Dante Jordan Knight, was born August 25, 1999 — five years before they married. This timeline shows they prioritized building a strong foundation before formalizing their commitment.
Marriage and Family Life
Jordan Knight and Evelyn Melendez married on September 12, 2004 in a private ceremony attended only by close family and friends. The wedding reflected their preference for intimacy over spectacle.
During the ceremony, Jordan surprised Evelyn by singing “I’ll Be Loving You (Forever),” a New Kids on the Block hit. The emotional moment remains a cherished memory in their relationship story.
Their second son, Eric Jacob Knight, was born on February 21, 2007. Evelyn has focused on raising both boys away from public scrutiny. Neither son appears regularly in the media or on social media.
The couple has maintained their marriage for over 20 years — a significant longevity in the entertainment world. While rumors of problems surfaced over the years, they have remained together and private about personal challenges.
Jordan credits Evelyn with keeping their family grounded. In a 2007 interview with PEOPLE, he discussed stepping back from his career to focus on family time with Evelyn and their sons.
Who Is Jordan Knight?
Jordan Knight was born May 17, 1970 in Worcester, Massachusetts — the same birthday as Evelyn. He joined New Kids on the Block at age 14 in 1984, alongside his older brother Jonathan Knight and bandmates Joey McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg, and Danny Wood.
NKOTB became a global phenomenon in the late 1980s and early 1990s. They sold over 80 million records worldwide and influenced future boy bands like Backstreet Boys and NSYNC. The group disbanded in 1994.
Jordan launched his solo career in 1999. His debut single “Give It to You” reached the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 and went gold. He has released three solo albums and sold over 1.5 million records as a solo artist.
New Kids on the Block reunited in 2008 and continue performing. In 2024, they released their eighth studio album “Still Kids.” The group announced their first Las Vegas residency, “The Right Stuff,” at Dolby Live at Park MGM, running from June 2025 through February 2026.
Jordan also appeared on HGTV’s “Rock the Block” Season 6 in 2025 with his brother Jonathan, competing to renovate homes. His estimated net worth is $18-19 million as of 2025.
Life in Milton, Massachusetts
Evelyn and Jordan live in Milton, Massachusetts, a quiet suburb outside Boston. The town provides privacy while staying close to Jordan’s New England roots.
Their daily life centers on family. Evelyn manages their household while Jordan tours and records. When at home, the couple enjoys low-key activities away from cameras.
They own two pet poodles named Milo and Luna, mentioned occasionally by Jordan in interviews. These small details are rare glimpses into their private world.
Evelyn rarely attends Jordan’s concerts or public events. This absence is intentional — she prefers supporting him privately rather than appearing on red carpets or in tabloids.
Evelyn Melendez Knight’s Net Worth
Evelyn’s net worth is estimated between $100,000 and $1 million. Her earnings came primarily from her modeling career spanning two decades.
Specific income from modeling remains private. Fashion models in the 1990s and 2000s earned varied amounts depending on projects, but her sustained career suggests steady work.
Her husband Jordan Knight has a net worth of approximately $18-19 million. His wealth comes from NKOTB tours, solo albums, royalties, and television appearances.
Evelyn maintains financial independence despite Jordan’s substantial earnings. She has never publicly discussed money or lifestyle spending, keeping these matters private like all aspects of her life.
Why She Stays Out of the Spotlight
Evelyn’s commitment to privacy is remarkable in an age where celebrity spouses often pursue their own fame. She has no public social media accounts. She gives no interviews. She avoids paparazzi and rarely appears in photos.
This choice protects her sons from growing up in the spotlight. Dante and Eric have lived relatively normal lives despite their father’s fame. Neither appears regularly online or in tabloids.
Her privacy also strengthens her marriage. By staying out of media narratives, Evelyn and Jordan avoid public scrutiny of their relationship. They handle challenges privately rather than through statements or social media.
The media respects her boundaries. Unlike celebrities who complain about attention while courting it, Evelyn genuinely withdrew. This consistency has earned her space from intrusive coverage.
Conclusion
Evelyn Melendez Knight embodies grace, privacy, and devotion. From her successful modeling years to her lasting marriage with Jordan Knight, she’s built a life centered on family rather than fame — a rare balance in the world of celebrity.
Her story stands as a reminder that strength doesn’t always need a spotlight. Behind her quiet demeanor lies resilience, loyalty, and purpose, qualities that have guided her personal and family life with steadfast consistency.
She has supported Jordan through decades of fame, tours, and public attention while ensuring their children grew up in a grounded and loving environment. Evelyn’s choice to step away from the limelight reflects not retreat, but wisdom — a deliberate embrace of peace and authenticity in a culture obsessed with visibility.
By prioritizing family over fame, she has cultivated a home filled with love, stability, and values that often elude those in the public eye. Her life illustrates that true success is not measured by public recognition, but by the strength of relationships, the nurturing of children, and the creation of a private sanctuary where love and respect flourish.
Evelyn’s journey offers inspiration for anyone seeking fulfillment beyond societal expectations, showing that a life of quiet dignity and purpose can be as remarkable as any career in the spotlight.
