Ashanti and Nelly have been secretly married for six months! Documents obtained on Wednesday, June 19, reveal that Ashanti, 43, and Nelly, 49, tied the knot on December 27, 2023. While the couple had previously announced their engagement and pregnancy, they kept their wedding under wraps. TMZ first reported their nuptials.
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Ashanti and Nelly’s Rekindled Romance
Earlier this week, Ashanti shared her proposal story and dream wedding plans with Entertainment Tonight. She described the proposal as a “beautiful, intimate moment” at home, humorously noting that she was dressed casually in one of Nelly’s T-shirts and boxers, highlighting her surprise.
In May, Ashanti celebrated her first Mother’s Day as an expecting mother, sharing the joy on Instagram. The photos showed her with Nelly and family members, cradling her baby bump and smiling.
“This Mother’s Day was so special,” she captioned the post. “Having our families together as we embark on such an incredible journey was amazing. Wishing all the amazing Moms and Moms-to-be a beautiful Mother’s Day…!!!!” She added, “Yeah yeah, I know I’m late… it was so much food I got distracted 🤣🤣 Ps… I only had 1 plate tho 🤣🤣👀”
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The couple first started dating in the early 2000s before breaking up in 2013. They rekindled their romance in 2023, announcing their engagement and pregnancy nearly a year later. “I think it surprised both of us,” Nelly said on the Boss Moves with Rasheeda show in September.
Ashanti’s Dream Wedding and Surprise Proposal
In April 2024, Ashanti announced that she and Nelly were expecting their first child together. She shared her excitement with Essence, saying, “This new year of my life is such a blessing full of love, hope, and anticipation. Motherhood is something I have looked forward to.” She subtly confirmed their engagement by referring to Nelly as her “fiancé.”
Ashanti and Nelly officially married as they awaited their first baby’s arrival. Us Weekly confirmed their secret wedding in St. Louis on December 27, 2023, just weeks after announcing Ashanti’s pregnancy.
“Yeah, we cool again,” Nelly said on the Boss Moves with Rasheeda podcast in September 2023. “It surprised both of us though. It wasn’t anything planned. We were both focused on our careers, and with so many people in the middle of it, it can be tough.” After keeping their romance under wraps, Ashanti confirmed their engagement and pregnancy.
Nelly and Ashanti’s Shared Joy
Ashanti described the proposal as a “beautiful, intimate moment” during an Entertainment Tonight interview on June 18. She humorously recalled being in bed, watching TV in boxers when Nelly proposed. “I gave him the biggest hug and kiss ever. I FaceTimed everyone I know. I was overjoyed and shocked and surprised and happy, all at once.”
Ashanti teased her vision for their wedding, saying she was “ready” to walk down the aisle. She envisioned a combination of fashion, glam, Caribbean vibes, beach, ocean, sunshine, and palm trees.
A Private Wedding and a Growing Family
The couple secretly married on December 27, 2023, in St. Louis, Nelly’s hometown, as reported by TMZ. Ashanti and Nelly, expecting their first child, have been married for nearly six months. Their representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Ashanti announced their engagement and her pregnancy in April. “This new year of my life is such a blessing full of love, hope, and anticipation,” she told Essence. “Motherhood is something I have looked forward to, and sharing this with my family, fiancé, and loyal fans is an amazing experience.”
Ashanti shared an Instagram video showing her momager, Tina Douglas, asking if she was ready to go on stage. Ashanti humorously replied, “Imma need about nine months,” showing a positive pregnancy test. The video ended with “To be continued…” and she tagged Nelly, captioning the post, “Baby baby baby baby…. ❤️🙏🏽😆.”
Nelly and Ashanti’s Long History
Nelly and Ashanti first met in 2003 at a Grammy Awards press conference. They dated for a decade before breaking up in 2013, with Ashanti later revealing that Nelly had “betrayed” her. They sparked reconciliation rumors in April 2023 while sitting ringside at a boxing match in Las Vegas. After dating quietly for several months, Nelly confirmed their relationship in September 2023, admitting their reunion surprised them both.
Nelly, already a father to Chanelle Haynes, 30, and Cornell Haynes III, 25, from a previous relationship with Channetta Valentine, also adopted his late sister’s two children, Shawn and Sydney Thomas, after she died of leukemia in 2005.
TMZ’s June 19 report detailed the couple’s romance and marriage, revealing that their union was recorded on December 27, 2023, in St. Louis County. Their representatives have yet to respond, and a public ceremony might be planned.
Ashanti and Nelly’s journey together has been full of surprises and joy, from their secret wedding to the anticipation of their first child. Their rekindled romance and upcoming life events have captured the hearts of their fans, who eagerly await more updates from this beloved couple.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Ashanti and Nelly get married?
Ashanti and Nelly secretly married on December 27, 2023.
Are Ashanti and Nelly expecting a child?
Yes, Ashanti announced their pregnancy in April 2024, and they are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their first child.
How long have Ashanti and Nelly been together?
They first dated in the early 2000s, broke up in 2013, and rekindled their romance in 2023.
Where did Ashanti and Nelly get married?
They had a secret wedding in St. Louis, Nelly’s hometown.
What are Ashanti’s plans for their wedding ceremony?
Ashanti envisions a wedding with a combination of fashion, glam, Caribbean vibes, beach, ocean, sunshine, and palm trees.