Grammy-winning singers Ashanti and Nelly confirmed the rumors that they’re expecting their first child together, and also announced they are engaged. The couple previously dated from 2003-2013, and got back together in 2023.
In a statement to Essence, Ashanti, 43, said: “This new year of my life is such a blessing full of love, hope, and anticipation. 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.”
The couple also confirmed the pregnancy in a video for Proov, the diagnostics company they co-own with Amy Beckley that provides at-home tests to people looking to conceive. The video shows Ashanti preparing to perform at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.. and when her team asks how much time she needs, Ashanti says, “I need about nine months.”
Ashanti will welcome her first child, while this is the fifth child for Nelly, 49. The rapper also has a daughter, Chanelle, a son, Cornell Jr., and Shawn and Sydney Thomas, his niece and nephew, whom he adopted after his sister Jackie Donahue’s death.
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