December 05, (THEWILL) – 43-year-old Grammy award-winning American singer, Ashanti Douglas, is pregnant with her first child for American rapper, Cornell Iral Haynes Junior, better known as Nelly.
It was reported that “Nelly and Ashanti are eagerly awaiting the birth of their first baby together,” adding an exciting chapter to their on-again, off-again relationship.
While this will be Ashanti’s initial foray into parenthood, Nelly is already a father to his daughter, Chanelle, 29, and son, Cornell Haynes III, 24, from his previous relationship with Channetta Valentine.
The pregnancy speculation ignited during Nelly’s Black and White Ball in St. Louis, where a video circulating online captured a heartwarming moment on stage. Ashanti with hands on her stomach in the shape of a heart, prompted the speculation.
In a touching gesture, 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, in April 2023, they sparked reconciliation rumours at a boxing match in Las Vegas. After months of discreet dating, Nelly confirmed in September that they were officially 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.
