US singer Ashanti expecting first child with Nelly

43-year-old Grammy award-winning American singer, Ashanti Douglas, is expecting her first child with American rapper, Cornell Iral Haynes Junior, popularly known as Nelly.

The couple is reportedly excitedly anticipating the arrival of their first baby together, marking a new chapter in their on-again, off-again relationship. While this will be Ashanti’s initial experience with parenthood, Nelly is already a father to his daughter, Chanelle, 29, and son, Cornell Haynes III, 24, from a previous relationship with Channetta Valentine.

Speculation about Ashanti’s pregnancy emerged during Nelly’s Black and White Ball in St. Louis, where a circulating video captured an endearing on-stage moment. Ashanti, with her hands forming a heart shape on her stomach, prompted speculation. In a touching response, Nelly mirrored the pose, affectionately rubbing Ashanti’s belly, leading to laughter between the couple.

The duo, who first crossed paths in 2003, dated for a decade before parting ways in 2013. However, they sparked reconciliation rumors in April 2023 at a boxing match in Las Vegas. After months of discreet dating, Nelly officially confirmed in September that they were back together.

In a previous interview, Nelly acknowledged the importance of their time apart, stating, “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 are wrong but we are going to stand on it. But we are all a victim to that.”

Since reigniting their romance, the couple has showcased their strengthened bond through thoughtful gestures. Nelly surprised Ashanti with a diamond necklace and a diamond-encrusted watch for her birthday in October, while Ashanti reciprocated by gifting Nelly his dream car the following month.