Ashanti and Nelly: From Exes to Expecting
In a surprising turn of events, R&B star Ashanti, 43, announced her pregnancy in an Instagram video with Essence magazine on Wednesday. What made the news even more shocking was the revelation that the father of her child is none other than her ex-boyfriend, the multiplatinum St. Louis rapper Nelly, 49.
The announcement sparked a wave of reactions online, with some expressing disapproval of the pregnancy without a ring on Ashanti’s finger. However, just a few hours later, Essence dropped another bombshell: Ashanti and Nelly are not only expecting a baby together but are also engaged.
The news of their engagement sent their fans into a frenzy of excitement and joy. Ashanti, a Grammy-winning vocalist known for hits like “Foolish” and “Happy,” expressed her happiness in a statement to Essence, saying, “Motherhood is something that I have looked forward to, and sharing this with my family, fiancé, and loyal fans is an amazing experience.”
The couple first met in 2003 at a news conference for the Grammy Awards nomination announcement and quickly became a beloved pair in the music industry. Throughout the 2000s, they attended high-profile events together and even collaborated on music, including the seductive song “Body on Me” in 2008.
After a decade together, Ashanti confirmed their breakup in 2015, but they were recently seen reuniting at a Verzuz battle in September 2021. Since then, rumors of a rekindled romance have been swirling, culminating in their official confirmation of their relationship in September 2023.
Now, as they prepare to welcome a new addition to their family, Ashanti and Nelly seem to be ready for a fresh start together. Despite the ups and downs of their past relationship, the couple is looking forward to this new chapter in their long and storied journey.
