Ashanti confirms pregnancy with Nelly
The R&B singer is welcoming her first baby
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ashanti has confirmed that she is pregnant with her first child with musician Nelly.
The 43-year-old R&B singer revealed that she and her Nelly are expecting a baby in a video shared to her Instagram. In the video, Ashanti can be seen getting ready for a performance as her mother Tina Douglas asks her how much time she needs. “Uh, I’m gonna need about nine months,” Ashanti replied, leading her mom to look shocked.
She also shared the news with Essence, revealing that she and Nelly, 49, are not only expecting but also engaged.
“This new year of my life is such a blessing full of love, hope and anticipation,” Ashanti said. “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.”
Speculation first began to swirl around the pair after they were spotted at Nelly’s 11th Black and White Ball at the Four Seasons Hotel in St Louis in December, and eagle-eyed fans noticed Ashanti had what seemed to be a baby bump.
In a moment when both were on stage, the singer notably left her hands on her stomach. The rapper took notice and did the same leading them to make eye contact and burst into laughter. Fans took this as a sign that there was a little one on the way.
Back in September, Nelly shared on Boss Moves with Rasheeda show that the pair had gotten back together and that the reconciliation “surprised both of us.”
“It wasn’t anything that we planned. We both were pretty much doing what we do,” he said. “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. We know we wrong but we going to stand on it, you know what I mean? But we all a victim to that.”
At the time, Ashanti added to People she and the Grammy winner were doing great, saying: “Everything is positive. [We’re] having a lot of fun.”
The “Dilemma” singer has fathered son Cornell III “Tre,” 21, and daughter, Chanelle “Nana,” 26, with ex-girlfriend Channetta Valentine. He also reportedly helped raise his niece Sydney and nephew Shawn after his sister, Jackie Donahue died in March 2005 of leukemia at just 31 years old.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments