Ashanti recently shared intimate details about Nelly’s proposal, revealing how their relationship has evolved and become more aligned this time around. The couple, who are now expecting their first child together, have come a long way since their initial breakup nearly a decade ago.
In an exclusive interview with Entertainment Tonight, Ashanti expressed her surprise and joy over Nelly’s proposal. “Never in a million years did I think we would be here,” she said, reflecting on their journey. “Ten years ago — maybe yes — but after our breakup, you know, I didn’t even think we’d ever have a conversation again.”
Ashanti and Nelly first broke up in 2013, and for a long time, it seemed like their story had ended. “When you go through a breakup, for me personally, I kind of just shut that person out,” Ashanti explained. “It’s kinda like, OK, that chapter is closed and you just move on, you know, and there’s nothing there.”
However, fate had other plans. The pair crossed paths again in 2021 at Fat Joe and Ja Rule’s Verzuz battle, where Nelly got Ashanti’s number from DJ City. This unexpected reconnection led to a rekindling of their romance. “I had to really, like, be real with myself, like, do I have feelings for him again? Like what’s going on?” Ashanti recalled. “Because they were out, you know what I mean. They were gone. I was pleasantly surprised that they were there.”
Three years later, Ashanti and Nelly are closer than ever. They are preparing to walk down the aisle and start a family together. While this will be their first child together, Nelly already has two children with his ex, Channetta Valentine, and he adopted his sister’s two kids after her death in 2005.
Ashanti described the proposal as a “beautiful” and “intimate” moment. “We were not dressy,” she said, adding that they were in bed, in their PJs, watching TV. She was wearing one of his T-shirts and boxers when he popped the question. “I cried. I gave him the biggest hug and kiss ever,” Ashanti shared. “I FaceTimed everyone I know. I was overjoyed and shocked and surprised and happy, kind of like all in one.”
The singer confirmed that she will give birth before they tie the knot. As much as she is looking forward to their baby’s arrival, she is equally excited about planning their wedding. She shared a few must-haves for the ceremony, including a beach, sunshine, and palm trees.
Ashanti credits the growth and maturity of both herself and Nelly for the strength of their relationship this time around. “The growth has been like superb, you know, like on both ends,” she said. “We are both at a place where like before, sometimes we would argue and walk out, slam the door, and not talk for a few days.”
Now, their approach to conflict is much healthier. “It’s kind of like, ‘All right, you good?’ You know, give me a kiss goodbye and it’s over,” Ashanti explained. “It’s not like holding on and bickering. We find out what the resolution is. We apologize. It used to take me a little longer to apologize.”
The passion that Ashanti and Nelly first shared on stage 20 years ago has transcended into their relationship. “I think just we both are so passionate about working and about building family. We are so, so aligned,” Ashanti said.
Their journey from a broken relationship to a deeply connected partnership is a testament to their growth and commitment to each other. As they prepare to welcome their first child and plan their wedding, Ashanti and Nelly are more in sync than ever, ready to build a future together.
