Congratulations are in order for Ashanti and Nelly!
Nelly confirmed the news that he and his partner are expecting a baby in a heartwarming video shared on his Instagram on Wednesday, April 17.
In the video, Ashanti, 43, is seen preparing for a performance while her mother, Tina Douglas, inquires about how much time she needs. In response, the star says: "Uh, I'm gonna need about nine months," leaving her mom visibly stunned.
Speaking to Essence, Ashanti shared the joyous revelation, disclosing not only her pregnancy but also the couple's engagement.
"This new year of my life is such a blessing full of love, hope, and anticipation," she expressed. "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."
Speculations about their pregnancy initially surfaced as the pair celebrated together at the 11th Black and White Ball at the Four Seasons Hotel in December.
During a moment on stage, Ashanti placed her hands on her stomach, prompting Nelly, 49, to mimic the gesture.
The couple getting back together was confirmed by Nelly in September during an appearance on the Boss Moves with Rasheeda show.
Reflecting on their reconciliation, he noted: "It wasn't anything that we planned. We both were pretty much doing what we do."
Nelly further added: "But sometimes, being separate, you understand one another more. You could be like, 'Well yo, let me exactly see maybe what they see.' We all can be defensive sometimes in our own relationships."
Nelly confirmed the relationship in September 2023 during an interview on Philo TV’s Boss Moves with Rasheeda, saying: "Yeah, we cool again." He revealed that the revived relationship "surprised both of us though," adding, "It wasn’t anything that I don’t think was planned."
The 'Ride Wit Me' hitmaker stated that the pair needed time apart in order to make their current romance work, sharing: "I think we both were pretty much doing what we do, but sometimes being separate you understand one another more."
"You be like, 'Yo, let me see exactly what they see.' You know, because we all can be defensive sometimes in our own relationships. We know we wrong but we going to stand on it. But we all a victim to that," he added.
Nelly, who is already a father to son Cornell III (known as Tre), 21, and daughter Chanelle (known as Nana), 26, has also played a significant role in raising his niece Sydney and nephew Shawn after his sister, Jackie Donahue, passed away in 2005.
Recent interactions between the couple on social media have further fueled excitement among fans. In response to one comment urging Nelly to "get her pregnant tonight," the rapper replied: "I'm on it," accompanied by a saluting emoji.
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