Van Jones Welcomes Baby Girl with Friend Noemi as 'Conscious Co-Parents'

Van Jones is celebrating a new addition to his modern family.

The Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist, 53, advocated for "conscious co-parenting" Saturday as he announced in a statement shared with PEOPLE that he welcomed a baby girl this month with his friend, Noemi.

"After the COVID lockdown, I got clear that I wanted another kid. I discovered that my friend Noemi also wanted a baby. So we decided to join forces and become conscious co-parents," he said. "It's a concept that I hope more people will explore and consider.

"This month we welcomed to Earth a baby girl, whom we will raise as coparenting partners. This is a special time for our families. I feel grateful, joyful and blessed. As we create a safe and loving environment for this blessed young soul, I respectfully ask for privacy. Thank you for all the love and support," Jones added.

Jones' announcement marks his third time becoming a dad. He also shares two sons with ex-wife Jana Carter, whom he married in 2005. They announced their split to PEOPLE in 2018.

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"We will continue raising our kids together, running our businesses together and supporting each other's growth," the exes said in a joint statement at the time. "There is no beef or drama — just evolution."

The commentator previously breathed a sigh of relief as a father during his heartfelt reaction to President Joe Biden unseating Donald Trump in November 2020. "It's easier to be a parent this morning. It's easier to be a dad. It's easier to tell your kids 'character matters.' It matters. Telling the truth matters. Being a good person matters," Jones said on CNN.