The Jasmine Brand reports that Grammy Award-winning artist Ashanti is expecting her second child! Sources reveal that the exciting news comes just months after Ashanti and Nelly secretly tied the knot last December. The couple welcomed their first child together, a baby boy named Kareem Kenkaide Haynes, in July.

This new addition will join their growing family, which already includes Nelly’s two older children: 25-year-old son Cornell III, also known as Tre, and 30-year-old daughter Chanelle, nicknamed Nana. Nelly has also been a father figure to his niece Sydney and nephew Shawn, whom he helped raise following the passing of his sister, Jackie Donahue, in 2005.

 

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The History Between Ashanti and Nelly

Ashanti and Nelly first crossed paths at a press conference for the 2003 Grammy Awards. Ashanti has said their initial meeting was brief but memorable, and sparks flew between the two artists.

The pair began dating shortly after and were together for over a decade. They kept much of their relationship private, though they occasionally appeared together at events. In 2014, Ashanti and Nelly called it quits. Ashanti later hinted at trust issues being a factor in their split, though neither shared explicit details about the breakup.

Nearly a decade after their split, Ashanti and Nelly sparked reconciliation rumors in early 2023. They were spotted together at several public events, including a boxing match, and later confirmed they were giving their relationship another chance.

MARRIAGE AND FAMILY

Reports surfaced that the couple secretly married in December 2023. They welcomed their first child together, a son named Kareem Kenkaide Haynes, in July 2024. Now, rumors suggest Ashanti may be pregnant with their second child.

Both Ashanti and Nelly have publicly praised one another over the years, with Nelly describing Ashanti as an incredible woman and Ashanti speaking highly of Nelly’s character and charisma. They have never collaborated on music together however.