Us Weekly can reveal that Ashanti, who reignited her romance with Nelly earlier this year, is expecting her first child.
A source exclusively tells Us that “Nelly and Ashanti are welcoming their first baby together.” While Nelly, 49, shares a son, Cornell Haynes III, 24, and a daughter, Chanelle, 29, with her former partner Channetta Valentine, Ashanti will have only the infant.
When Ashanti, 43, and her companion went to Nelly’s Black and White Ball in St. Louis over the weekend, it initially raised rumors that she was pregnant. The “Only U” singer placed her hand on her stomach during the event while performing with Nelly, and he reciprocated. In a fan video that TMZ posted, the couple can be seen laughing heartily after appearing to imply that they are planning to grow their family.
From 2003 to 2013, Ashanti and Nelly had a sporadic relationship following their meeting at a Grammy Awards press conference. Rumors of a reconciliation surfaced in April after the couple was spotted holding hands at a boxing fight in Las Vegas.
In a September video from Philo TV’s “Boss Moves with Rasheeda,” Nelly declared, “Yeah, we cool again,” confirming their connection. It was “surprised both of us though,” he said, adding that “it wasn’t anything that I don’t think was planned.”
In the same month, an exclusive insider revealed to Us that Ashanti had no intention of reconciling with Nelly following their ten-year separation.
The insider stated at the time, “A few years ago, Ashanti never would’ve imagined reconciling with Nelly, but they’re enjoying spending time together.” “They’re not looking to rush things.”
The couple celebrated his beloved’s birthday on Instagram in October, when Nelly made the post official. He wrote, “One time for the birthday girl,” as the description for a slideshow of pictures of Ashanti and him grinning. “Incredibly lovely on the inside and out, and among the hardest-working women.” Yes, I am aware, @ashanti Have a great day, Ma. You look fantastic! Love you and happy birthday!!!!!!
According to an exclusive insider who spoke with Us, Ashanti gave Nelly a car for his birthday last month in return for the favor. She had spent months organizing this surprise, and keeping it a secret was really difficult. But it was all worthwhile when he saw the reaction, the insider told Us in November.
Nelly, on the other hand, was amazed by the extravagant gesture. When he saw it, he was completely shocked and filled with emotion. The source added, “This gift had a far more sentimental meaning behind it, therefore it meant the world to him. Nelly had always wanted this car, and he was overjoyed that Ashanti had given him such a kind present. It’s among the greatest gifts he’s ever gotten.
Nelly intimated that he and Ashanti intended to start a family after posting a photo of the new vehicle on social media. The rapper said, “I’m on it,” in response to a fan who commented, “get her pregnant @nelly,” in the Instagram post’s comments area.
