Nick Cannon has spoken out to defend his decision to return to work so soon after his 5-month-old son’s passing.

During the Nick Cannon Show on Tuesday, the beloved comedian and TV presenter revealed that his 5-month-old son, Zen, had passed away on Sunday following a battle with brain cancer.

He also explained how his son’s tumor started progressing at a faster rate around Thanksgiving and how the family took the baby boy to the beach for his final trip over the weekend.

While people, including his own family, have allegedly been encouraging the 41-year-old to take a break from work to “sit down,” Cannon now opened up about the reason why he wanted to return to work so soon after the family tragedy.

“A lot of people keep asking me, ‘Why you even at work?’ Especially my family. ‘Boy you need to go sit down somewhere. You got too many jobs already anyway!’ I appreciate all that advice and I know it comes from a place of care but to me this isn’t work. This is love,” the comedian said Wednesday.

He added: “Yesterday, I was so laser focused and even numb, you know what I mean? I had to get it done. Today, I’m a little torn. I’m a little confused. Because it’s a hurting thing.

“I’m grieving. I feel guilty for so many levels. I never wanted to exploit this. I kept it private for so long since I found out about Zen’s diagnosis in respect to his mother Alyssa and to everyone in our family.

“Yesterday, the onslaught of, really, love and care – it’s brand new for me. So thank you, that’s all I can say. We gonna get through it.”

Cannon also paid a tribute to his model partner and the mother of Zen, Alyssa Scott, as he dubbed her the strongest woman he’s ever met.

“Zen’s mom, Alyssa, was just the strongest woman I’ve ever seen. Never had an argument, never was angry. Was emotional when she needed to be, but always the best mom, and continues to be the best mom,” Cannon said.

Our thoughts remain with Zen’s family during these challenging times.