Ashanti has recently confirmed that she is expecting her first child with rapper Nelly, and the news has sent waves of excitement through their fanbase. The couple, who rekindled their romance in the summer of 2023 after a decade-long hiatus, are now preparing to welcome their first baby together. The announcement came in April 2024, when Ashanti shared the joyous news on social media, revealing not only her pregnancy but also their engagement.
The 43-year-old R&B singer and her 49-year-old rapper fiancé have been the subject of much speculation since December 2023. It was during Nelly’s Black and White Ball in St. Louis that Ashanti first sparked pregnancy rumors by placing her hand on her stomach, a gesture that Nelly mirrored, leading to laughter and further hints. This public display left fans eagerly guessing about the couple’s future.
In April 2024, Ashanti took to Essence magazine to express her happiness, stating, “This new year of my life is such a blessing full of love, hope, and anticipation. Motherhood is something that I have looked forward to, and sharing this with my family, fiancé, and loyal fans, who have been so supportive of my career, is an amazing experience.” The couple, who first met at the Grammys in 2003 and dated on and off until 2013, have now come full circle with this exciting news.
While the exact due date of their baby remains undisclosed, it is expected to be sometime in the spring or summer of 2024. Ashanti’s pregnancy was further confirmed when she started her maternity leave in June 2024, following her final performance in Kansas. Lloyd, a fellow artist, announced on stage, “This is gonna be Ashanti’s last show before she goes on maternity leave,” adding a heartfelt “good luck Mommy.”
Nelly has been equally enthusiastic about the pregnancy. In April 2024, he posted an Instagram story featuring Ashanti and her visible baby bump, captioning it, “Of course not beautiful I’m fine..!! Luv U2,” indicating that the baby’s arrival was imminent. The couple also celebrated Mother’s Day together in May 2024, marking their last one before becoming parents.
The gender of their baby remains a mystery, as the couple has chosen not to reveal it publicly. However, fans have speculated that they might be expecting a girl, based on Ashanti’s choice of a baby pink oversized t-shirt during a performance. This led to comments like, “Somebody said not them wearing gender reveal colors,” and “Think they telling us it’s a girl lol.”
Ashanti, who does not have any children, is eagerly anticipating the arrival of her first baby. Nelly, on the other hand, has children from a previous relationship: a son, Cornell Hayes III, and a daughter, Chanelle. He also adopted his late sister’s children, Shawn and Sydney Thomas, after she passed away in 2005.
The couple’s journey back to each other has been a heartwarming story. They went Instagram official in October 2023, with Nelly posting a heartfelt birthday tribute to Ashanti, calling her “Such a beautiful, an incredible person inside and out and one of the hardest working women.” Ashanti responded with equal affection, writing, “Awwwwww Thanku Big head!!!!!!!! love ya!!!!”
Their rekindled romance has been filled with public displays of affection and shared moments on social media. In September 2023, Nelly confirmed their relationship on the Philo TV show Boss Moves with Rasheeda, stating, “I think it surprised both of us, though. It wasn’t anything that was like, I don’t think, planned.” This candid admission highlighted the organic nature of their reunion.
Ashanti and Nelly’s love story has captivated fans, and their upcoming journey into parenthood is eagerly anticipated. The couple’s ability to reconnect and find happiness together after years apart is a testament to their enduring bond. As they prepare to welcome their first child, their fans are excited to see what the future holds for this beloved duo.
