Singer Ashanti and rapper Nelly have some exciting news to share. The couple, who recently reunited, have announced their engagement and pregnancy. The exclusive announcement was made through Essence magazine and shared on social media on Wednesday. Congratulations to the happy couple!
"This new year of my life is truly a blessing filled with love, hope, and excitement," Ashanti, 43, shared in a statement with the publication. "Becoming a mother is something I've always dreamed of, and being able to share this joy with my family, fiancé, and devoted fans who have supported me throughout my career is truly incredible."
Ashanti also had some fun with the news on her official Instagram account, posting a video of herself getting ready for a performance.
When her mother and manager Tina Y. Douglas asks her how much time she’s going to need in the clip, Ashanti jokes, “I’m gonna need about nine months” as her mother gasps and the screen transitions to a logo for Proov, an at-home fertility and hormone marker test.
In a statement to CNN, the singer expressed, “I am very close with my mom and dad, so I am excited to be a great parent to our child, just like they were to me and my sister. Nelly and I cannot wait to welcome and shower Baby Haynes with love.” (Nelly’s real name is Cornell Iral Haynes Jr.)
Ashanti and Nelly, who are both 49 years old, announced in September that they had gotten back together as a couple. This was 20 years after they first started dating and ended their relationship after ten years.
Around the same time, Ashanti went to the MTV VMA Awards where Nelly was set to perform. She brought along a clutch purse that had a picture of her and Nelly from when they attended the awards show together in 2003.
During an interview with E! News at the event, Ashanti commented that she thought the bag was "cute." She was then asked if she and the "Hot in Here" star were in a relationship again.
After sharing a laugh, she playfully replied, "I mean...yeah."
During a recent appearance on the show "Boss Moves with Rasheeda," Nelly opened up about reconciling with "Love and Hip Hop Atlanta" stars Rasheeda and Kirk Frost last fall.
"We're cool again," Nelly shared. "It was unexpected for both of us. It just happened naturally."
CNN has reached out to representatives for Nelly for additional comment.
Editor's P/S:
The reunion and engagement of Ashanti and Nelly have sparked immense joy and excitement among fans. Ashanti's long-held dream of motherhood is now a reality,
