Ashanti and Nelly Expecting First Baby Married Six Months Ago

Nelly and Ashanti are expecting their first child together, just six months after secretly tying the knot. The couple, who rekindled their romance last year, have kept their marriage under wraps until now. According to public records, the “Hot in Herre” rapper and the “Foolish” singer exchanged vows on December 27, 2023, in St. Louis County, Missouri, Nelly’s hometown.

The news of their marriage first surfaced through TMZ, which reported the couple’s quiet nuptials. Despite the public’s curiosity, neither Nelly nor Ashanti has shared details about their wedding on social media. The couple’s representatives have also remained tight-lipped, not responding to requests for comments.

Ashanti, 43, and Nelly, 49, have a long history together. They first met at a Grammy Awards press conference in 2003 and began dating shortly after. Their relationship, however, was not without its ups and downs. The couple dated on and off for 11 years before splitting in 2013. Ashanti later revealed that she felt “betrayed” by Nelly, which led to their breakup.

Fast forward to 2023, rumors of their reconciliation began to swirl when fans noticed subtle hints on social media. The couple was later spotted together at a boxing match in Las Vegas, further fueling speculation. In September 2023, Nelly confirmed their rekindled romance during an interview on the “Boss Moves” TV show with Rasheeda. “Yeah, we cool again,” he said, adding that their reunion was unexpected but welcomed.

In April 2024, Ashanti announced their engagement and revealed her pregnancy in an interview with Essence. “This new year of my life is such a blessing full of love, hope, and anticipation,” she said. “Motherhood is something that I have looked forward to.” She also shared her excitement about entering this new chapter with her family, fiancé, and loyal fans.

The couple’s engagement was a surprise to Ashanti, who described the proposal as a “beautiful, intimate moment” at home. She recalled being in pajamas when Nelly popped the question, making the moment even more special. “I definitely had one of his T-shirts and his boxers,” she joked.

Ashanti’s pregnancy announcement came shortly after, with the singer sharing the joyous news on Instagram. In a heartfelt video, she showed her mother a positive pregnancy test, captioning the post with, “Baby baby baby baby…. ❤️🙏🏽😆.” The video ended with the words, “To be continued…,” leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter in their love story.

This will be Ashanti’s first child, while Nelly is already a father to two grown children, Chanelle and Cornell Haynes III, from a previous relationship with Channetta Valentine. He also adopted his late sister’s two children, Shawn and Sydney Thomas, after her death in 2005.

The couple’s journey has been a rollercoaster, but their love story has captivated fans worldwide. Social media has been abuzz with well-wishes and excitement for the couple. “I’m so happy for Ashanti!! Any time I see true love come together it makes me so happy,” one fan commented. Another added, “My ship is getting married. Nelly and Ashanti. OMG. Guys, I have waited TWENTY years for this.”

Despite their past challenges, Nelly and Ashanti have shown that love can indeed conquer all. Their reunion has not only brought them closer but has also strengthened their bond. “I think it surprised both of us,” Nelly admitted in his interview. “It wasn’t anything that was planned. I think we’re both pretty much doing what we do.”

As they prepare to welcome their first child together, the couple is looking forward to the future with hope and excitement. Ashanti celebrated her first Mother’s Day as an expecting mother, sharing the festivities on Instagram. “This Mother’s Day was so special,” she wrote. “Having our families together as we are about to embark on such an incredible journey was amazing.”

The couple’s love story is a testament to the power of second chances and the enduring nature of true love. As they navigate this new chapter together, fans are eagerly watching and cheering them on. With their wedding and baby news now public, Nelly and Ashanti are ready to embrace the future, hand in hand.