At a Glance
- Jenelle Evans has regained full custody of her eldest son, Jace, after a 13-year battle.
- The reality star lost custody of her younger children in 2019 but regained it in July 2019.
- Evans’ children are now 16 (Jace), 11 (Kaiser), and 9 (Ensley).
- Why it matters: The custody saga highlights the challenges of balancing motherhood with the pressures of reality-TV fame.
Jenelle Evans has spent more than a decade navigating the complicated world of motherhood while in the public eye. From her first child’s birth in 2009 to her most recent custody victory in 2023, the reality-TV star’s journey illustrates the personal costs of being a teen mom on national television.
Early Years and First Child
Jenelle Evans first appeared on screen in 2010 when she was a senior on MTV’s 16 and Pregnant. She was 17 when her first son, Jace Vahn Evans, was born on August 2, 2009. At that time, Evans was filming the show and dating Jace’s father, Andrew Lewis. The couple separated shortly after the baby’s birth, and Lewis was not involved in Jace’s life.
Because her personal life was turbulent, Evans signed over Jace’s custody to her mother, Barbara. Over the next decade, Evans repeatedly expressed how painful it was not to have her son with her.
> “This persona that I’m just a bad mom… I do everything in my world for my kids, and I try my hardest to be the best damn mom I can be,” she said on Instagram in October 2022.
After 13 years and many disputes, Evans finally regained full custody of Jace in March 2023. She posted an emotional video of signing the papers and noted that her mother was “completely fine” with the decision.
Jace’s Milestones
- Age 13 (August 2022): Jace celebrated his 13th birthday with a dirt-bike day and a themed cake.
- Sports: Jace is a soccer enthusiast; Evans shared photos of the pair at his games in May 2022.
Second Son: Kaiser Orion
Kaiser was born on June 30, 2014, to Evans and ex-boyfriend Nathan Griffith. The couple split in August 2015, sparking ongoing custody battles. In October 2020, a court settled a custody agreement giving Evans primary custody and Griffith visitation every other weekend.
Evans revealed a difficult delivery for Kaiser:
> “One time I almost lost it during pregnancy… the epidural just didn’t work… I did it natural birth, and it was the worst pain in my life.”
Kaiser faced health challenges as a child, including an infected abscess in his groin at six and adenoid surgery at four. Today, at 11, he is healthy and thriving.
School Milestones
- July 2022: Kaiser began third grade. Evans shared photos of him and sister Ensley on their first day.
Daughter Ensley Jolie
Ensley Jolie was born on January 24, 2017, to Evans and estranged husband David Eason, whom she married in September 2017. A photo shoot with the newborn was posted a few days after her birth.
Controversy and Custody Loss
In May 2019, when Ensley was two, the family dog Nugget bit her in the face. Eason shot and killed the dog, leading to Evans’ firing from Teen Mom 2 and temporary loss of custody of Ensley and Kaiser. The incident also saw Eason being fired in 2018 for homophobic tweets.
Evans regained custody of both children in July 2019, expressing joy:
> “I am ecstatic to regain custody of my kids back!”
Recent Highlights
- January 2022: Ensley turned six; Evans celebrated on Instagram.
- April 2022: Ensley performed a makeup makeover; Evans highlighted her potential as a future makeup artist.
- May 2023: Ensley graduated kindergarten; Evans posted photos of her cap and gown.
Television Career and Public Perception
Evans appeared on Teen Mom 2 from 2011 until her firing in 2019. She made a brief appearance on Teen Mom: The Next Chapter in September 2022 but left shortly after. The series followed her daily life and the challenges of teen motherhood.
Throughout her career, Evans has been candid about the emotional toll of custody battles and public scrutiny. She often uses social media to share milestones, health updates, and personal reflections.
Key Takeaways
| Child | Birthdate | Current Age | Custody Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jace Vahn Evans | Aug 2 2009 | 16 | Full custody (reclaimed March 2023) |
| Kaiser Orion Griffith | Jun 30 2014 | 11 | Primary custody (Evans) |
| Ensley Jolie Eason | Jan 24 2017 | 9 | Primary custody (Evans) |
Jenelle Evans’ story underscores the resilience required to balance motherhood, public life, and legal challenges. Her recent custody victories bring a sense of closure after years of uncertainty.
Final Thoughts
The journey from a 17-year-old pregnant teen to a mother who has reclaimed full control over her children’s lives is a testament to Evans’ determination. Despite setbacks, she continues to celebrate her children’s achievements and share their growth with her followers.
