In a heartwarming tale reminiscent of Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez, Ashanti and Nelly have rekindled their romance. Adding to the joy, the couple is expecting their first child together, as reported by US Weekly. While this marks Ashanti’s first pregnancy, Nelly is already a father of two with his ex-girlfriend Channetta Valentine.
The love story of Ashanti and Nelly began in 2003 when they crossed paths at the Grammys. Despite keeping their relationship relatively private, they experienced on-and-off dating until their final separation in the early 2010s. Now, they’ve reignited their connection, and it appears more public than ever.
Fans are ecstatic about the couple’s baby news, expressing their excitement on social media. Some commend Ashanti for choosing the right time with the right partner, while others celebrate the courage it takes to reopen doors to love.
Hints of the pregnancy surfaced at Nelly’s Black and White Ball on December 3, 2023, where Ashanti and Nelly, while on stage, shared a moment that hinted at their upcoming parenthood. Speculation about a potential baby had already circulated weeks before the official announcement, fueled by a video Nelly posted on Instagram, prompting fans to question if Ashanti might be pregnant.
Amidst the pregnancy buzz, social media began speculating about a potential wedding. Some fans eagerly suggested Nelly should propose by Christmas, while others hoped for a Bravo Wedding Special. Some even speculated that the couple might already be secretly married.
The journey of Ashanti and Nelly’s relationship has been a long time coming. Contrasting with Nelly’s statement a decade ago that marriage was not an option, the couple’s recent revelations suggest a shift in their perspective. Ashanti, in a 2022 interview with People, expressed her desire to get married but emphasized the importance of choosing the right person. Meanwhile, Nelly, in September 2023, admitted their surprise reconnection and discussed their relationship on “The Shade Room,” stating, “It wasn’t anything that I don’t think was planned.”
While the details of their pregnancy timeline remain private, Nelly’s Instagram comment about starting a family hints at the couple’s shared desire to expand their family.
