Ashanti and Nelly: A Journey of Love and Reconnection from the 2000s to 2023
Ashanti and Nelly's relationship has been a rollercoaster of love, breakups, and reunions From their initial romance in the 2000s to their recent rekindling in 2023, their journey has been filled with ups and downs, making it a captivating tale of love prevailing against all odds
Ashanti and Nelly rekindled their relationship in 2023, overcoming numerous challenges. Their romance first made headlines in early 2003 when they connected at a Grammys event. Despite keeping their status under wraps for years, Ashanti revealed in March 2015 that they were together until 2013.
After a ten-year separation, Ashanti and Nelly rekindled their relationship in early 2023. "A few years ago, Ashanti never thought she'd get back together with Nelly, but they're enjoying their time together," a source exclusively told We in September of that year. "They're not in a hurry to rush into anything."
Three months later, Us exclusively confirmed that the two musicians are anticipating their first child together. The baby will be Ashanti's first and Nelly's third, as he already has a daughter named Chanelle and a son named Cornell Haynes III from his previous relationship with Channetta Valentine.
Scroll down to relive Ashanti and Nelly’s relationship from the beginning:
January 2003
The pair first met at a Grammy Awards press conference, where Nelly jokingly asked for Ashanti's autograph. "I think he was being sarcastic, and I remember writing it down on the program," she revealed during a VH1 Behind the Music special. "That picture has been in so many publications as something else, but it all started out as a joke. For the record, it took him a long time to get my number."
Nelly and Ashanti KMazur/WireImage
October 2005
Nelly was spotted at Ashanti’s 25th birthday. The following month, Ashanti was seen celebrating Nelly when he turned 31.
July 2006
Nelly was Ashanti's date at the premiere of John Tucker Must Die. In the film, Ashanti portrayed the character of cheerleader Heather. Their first collaboration, "Switch," was released the following year.
Nelly and Ashanti Gregg DeGuire/WireImage
December 2009
The musicians teamed up again to release Nelly’s “Body on Me” music video just months after reports surfaced that they had split.
Ashanti and Nelly Rob Loud/Getty Images
October 2010
Nelly told Complex when asked about the twosome attending T.I.’s wedding together that August, “We never admitted that we were together or back together or separated, but we heard that. Only thing we ever said was we friends and it’s the same way now.”
Summer 2013
The duo called it quits for a second time.
Ashanti and Nelly Theo Wargo/WireImage for Gabrielle's Angel Foundation
March 2015
“I believe that sometimes when individuals have their own insecurities, it can lead them to behave in ways that are uncharacteristic,” Ashanti commented on her separation from Nelly while appearing on The Meredith Vieira Show. “I have experienced betrayal. But you have to mature and take ownership of your actions. I don't tolerate cowardice. It's crucial to truly know yourself, understand your desires, and go after them. Right now, I'm in a different mindset.”
September 2021
December 2022
Ashanti and Nelly made their first public appearance together during the "Verzuz" battle hosted by Ja Rule and Fat Joe. Ashanti later revealed on Instagram Live that she was caught off guard, saying, "I had no idea he was gonna be there." She added, "I have not seen him or spoken to him since we broke up. Six years or something?"
A year later, the pair returned to the stage to perform "Body on Me" at Power 98.3 and 96.1's Under the Mistletoe concert. Ashanti expressed surprise at the level of fan interest in her and Nelly's relationship during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen, acknowledging that they were now in a better place than before.
April 2023
Nelly and Ashanti sparked reconciliation rumors after they were spotted holding hands in Las Vegas while attending a boxing match.
Nelly and Ashanti were spotted at R&B Wednesdays at Red Martini Lounge in Atlanta, Georgia on May 3, 2023. The photo was captured by Prince Williams/WireImage.
June 2023
The speculation about their romance continued to grow as they made a public appearance at the 3rd Annual Birthday Ball for Quality Control CEO Pierre “P” Thomas at The Fox Theatre in Atlanta. This marked their first red carpet as a couple since their breakup in 2013.
Ashanti and Nelly Paras Griffin/Getty Images
September 2023
Nelly discussed his renewed relationship with Ashanti in a segment from Philo TV’s “Boss Moves with Rasheeda,” stating, “Yeah, we’re on good terms again.” He acknowledged that the unexpected reconciliation “caught both of us off guard,” and remarked, “It wasn’t something that I believe was premeditated.”
October 2023
In the subsequent month, Nelly expressed his adoration for his partner on her birthday. He took to Instagram to praise Ashanti as "such a beautiful, incredible person inside and out and one of the hardest working women." "Happy Birthday Love ya!!!!" he wrote in the post.
Ashanti and Nelly Prince Williams/WireImage
November 2023
Upon reaching the age of 49, Nelly was taken by surprise when Ashanti presented him with a vintage 1962 Impala. "He was completely shocked and moved to tears when he laid eyes on it. This gift held immense significance for him due to its deeply sentimental value," a source revealed exclusively to Us at that time. "This had been Nelly's dream car since he was a child, and he was overwhelmed by Ashanti's thoughtful gesture. It stands out as one of the most remarkable gifts he has ever been given."
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December 2023
After months of planning, Ashanti was eagerly anticipating the moment to give Nelly the surprise gift. Keeping it a secret had been difficult, but the joy on his face made it all worth it, according to the insider.
Us exclusively confirmed Ashanti is pregnant. “Nelly and Ashanti are welcoming their first baby together,” an insider confirmed.
