What’s behind Shivon Zilis’ special status as Elon Musk’s partner: Deep personal bond, shared ideological goals and …

A recent Wall Street Journal (WSJ) article has shed light on the personal life of the world’s richest man Elon Musk. The article focuses on Tesla and SpaceX CEO’s expansive family of at least 14 children with four women. Among the mothers of his children, Shivon Zilis, a top executive at Neuralink, is described as holding a “special status” within Musk’s inner circle, a designation that has sparked intrigue and speculation about her role in his life and family dynamics.
Zilis and Musk share twins Strider and Azure (born November 2021), daughter Arcadia (born February 2024), and son Seldon Lycurgus (birth date undisclosed, announced February 2025). Their relationship, which began to draw public attention after the twins’ birth was revealed in 2022, has been described as both professional and deeply personal, though its romantic nature remains ambiguous.

What makes Shivom Zilis ‘Special’ in Elon Musk’s life

According to the WSJ, Zilis enjoys a unique position among the mothers of Musk’s children, described as a “special status” within his sprawling family network. This distinction stems from several factors. Unlike other mothers of Musk’s children — such as musician Grimes, author Justine Wilson, or conservative influencer Ashley St. Clair — Zilis is deeply embedded in Musk’s professional ecosystem. As a high-ranking executive at Neuralink, she works closely with Musk on cutting-edge AI and neurotechnology projects. This professional alignment gives her a level of access and influence that sets her apart. The WSJ notes that Zilis is seen as a “steadying force” within Musk’s inner circle, suggesting she plays a stabilizing role in both his personal and business endeavors.
Zilis has been increasingly visible alongside Musk at high-profile events, a rarity for someone who has largely stayed out of the spotlight. For instance, she accompanied Musk to a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Washington, D.C., in February 2025, where they were seen with their children. She also attended Donald Trump’s pre-inauguration dinner in January 2025, mingling with notable figures like Jeff Bezos and Ivanka Trump. These appearances kind of confirm that Musk may be publicly acknowledging a closer relationship with Zilis, further underscoring her elevated status.
The WSJ report suggests Musk has ambitious plans for his children, whom he reportedly refers to as his “legion,” aiming to raise them in a way that boosts “Earth’s IQ” through brilliant minds. Zilis appears to be a key partner in this vision. She has moved into a $35 million compound in Austin, Texas, purchased by Musk to house his children and their mothers in adjoining properties, allowing him to “schedule time” with his youngest kids. While other mothers, like Grimes, have reportedly resisted this arrangement, Zilis’ participation signals her alignment with Musk’s unconventional family model.
Sources cited by People magazine claim that Musk “really loves Shivon,” suggesting a deep personal bond. Zilis herself has spoken positively about Musk, defending him against critics and praising his commitment to humanity’s future. In Walter Isaacson’s biography Elon Musk, Zilis revealed that Musk encouraged her to have children, offering to be her sperm donor because he believed she should pass on her genes. This mutual respect and shared ideological goals — particularly around AI and population growth—further cement her unique standing.
The article, as referenced in The Daily Beast, contrasts Zilis’ status with the experiences of other women in Musk’s life. For example, Ashley Clair, who claims to be the mother of Musk’s 13th child, alleged that Musk offered her $15 million and $100,000 monthly payments to keep his paternity secret, an arrangement she says is common among other mothers. Ashley Clair also described Musk’s demands, such as requiring a cesarean section to maximize brain size, which she rejected. In contrast, Zilis appears to navigate Musk’s world with less public conflict, suggesting a more harmonious relationship.

How Elon Musk ‘views’ fatherhood

Musk’s approach to fatherhood is said to be closely tied to his belief in an “underpopulation crisis,” a view he has expressed publicly and on X, stating that “a collapsing birth rate is the biggest danger civilization faces.” The WSJ report highlights Musk’s desire to create a “legion” of children, strategically selecting women he deems intelligent to bear his offspring. Zilis, with her academic pedigree and AI expertise, fits this mold, and her willingness to have four children with Musk aligns with his pronatalist ideology.
The article also describes Musk’s efforts to manage his complex family through financial agreements and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). While some mothers, like St. Clair, have pushed back against these arrangements, Zilis’ integration into Musk’s professional and personal life suggests she operates within his framework more seamlessly, reinforcing her “special status.”