US hip hop stars Ashanti and Nelly have been keeping a major secret – they tied the knot nearly six months ago, well before announcing they are expecting their first child together, according to a new report from TMZ.
“Citing public records, TMZ reports the couple wed on December 27, 2023,” the entertainment news site revealed. “It’s unknown where exactly the couple wed, however, the union became official in St. Louis County. Nelly, 49, hails from St. Louis, Missouri.”
The singers and rappers did an incredible job keeping their marriage private until now. Ashanti, 43, only recently opened up about Nelly’s sweet proposal and the moment she discovered her pregnancy.
“‘It was just such a beautiful, intimate moment’ Ashanti told Entertainment Tonight. ‘We were not dressy…I cried. I gave him the biggest hug and kiss ever…I FaceTimed everyone I know… I was overjoyed and shocked and surprised and happy kind of like all in one.'”
Ashanti also reflected on reconnecting with Nelly after their breakup years ago. “‘Never in a million years did I think we would be here…After our breakup, you know, I didn’t even think we’d ever have a conversation again.'”
When it came to telling Nelly about the pregnancy, Ashanti explained, “‘I couldn’t wait, [I] had to get it out. And he was just like, “Oh I knew.”‘ ‘He was so happy and we were both smiling and it was so funny…It was a really cool moment. It was a little bit of everything.'”
The “Baby” singer confirmed she will give birth before having an official wedding ceremony. “As for what fans can expect to see from Ashanti’s big day? She told the outlet that the beach, palm trees and plenty of sunshine are all must-haves.”
Despite keeping their marital status under wraps for months, the couple seem overjoyed to be starting a family together after rekindling their romance in 2021. As Ashanti gushed, “‘I think just we both are so passionate about working and about building family. We are so, so aligned.'”
This will be Ashanti’s first child, while Nelly has four children from previous relationships.
Nelly has a daughter, Chanelle, and a son, Cornell Jr. He also adopted his sister Jackie Donahue’s two children, Shawn and Sydney Thomas, following her death in 2005. Additionally, he shares two children with his ex, Channetta Valentine, 47.
Nelly and Ashanti previously dated for 10 years, beginning in 2003, before rekindling their romance in 2023.
