Ashanti is pregnant, expecting first baby with Nelly

Ashanti and Nelly are having a baby! The couple who have been together on-and-off since 2003 are expecting their first child together, they confirmed to various media outlets.

The Grammy Award-winning artists have had a long journey together after dating in 2003, breaking up a decade later and then reuniting after another 10 years. Though Nelly and Ashanti always remained coy about their relationship and split, they often spoke about each other in interviews over the years.

In 2010, Nelly opened up to DJ Vlad on VladTV about the status of his relationship. However, when the DJ asked how he felt about their rumored breakup, Nelly responded that calling it a split would be admitting they were ever together — something neither ever did.

“To me, our relationship has been based in the media because there’s nothing we ever said about it,” the “Hot in Herre” singer said. “People tend to put us together and then they split us up whenever they feel… we find it funny. We just look and whatever the media says, I guess we roll with!”

In September 2023, however, Nelly finally confirmed the speculation that the two had reconciled during an appearance on the Boss Moves with Rasheeda show streaming on Philo.

“We cool again,” Nelly said. “I think it surprised both of us. It wasn’t anything that was planned.”

The same day that news of their rekindled romance broke, Ashanti attended the 2023 MTV VMAs and touted a personalized clutch printed with a photo of her and the “Ride Wit Me” rapper. During an interview with E! News, Ashanti said she thought the bag was “cute” and was asked if she and Nelly were in a relationship again. After some laughing, she responded “I mean…yeah.”

On Monday, December 4, 2023, the couple announced that they are welcoming their first baby together, according to reports. The baby will be Ashanti’s only child, while Nelly, 49, shares daughter Chanelle, 29, and son Cornell Haynes III, 24, with ex Channetta Valentine.

Ashanti and Nelly are hip hop royalty. Ashanti’s biggest solo hit is 2002’s ‘Foolish,’ while Nelly has 2002’s “Hot in Herre.” The pair’s on-again, off-again relationship has been the subject of much speculation and interest from fans and media alike. They have also collaborated on several songs, including “Body on Me” and “Switch.”

The couple have not revealed the gender or the due date of their baby, but fans are already excited to see the newest addition to their family. Congratulations to Ashanti and Nelly on their baby news!