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Ashanti and Nelly have been secretly married for several months, with their first child on the way. According to public records, the music stars tied the knot on December 27, 2023, in St. Louis County, suggesting a wedding in Nelly’s hometown. Despite their legal marriage, they haven't had a public ceremony yet, though they’ve been hinting at their wedding recently.
This revelation follows Ashanti’s announcement of her pregnancy, which came amid speculation. In April, she confirmed their engagement and shared details about Nelly's proposal. Ashanti recounted the intimate moment: “We were not dressy,” she told Entertainment Tonight. They were watching TV in bed when Nelly proposed, leaving her “overjoyed and shocked and surprised and happy all in one.”
Reflecting on their relationship, Ashanti noted they dated from 2003 to 2013 before splitting. They reconnected in 2021 at Fat Joe and Ja Rule’s Verzuz battle, reigniting their romance. “Never in a million years did I think we would be here,” she said, acknowledging the growth they've both experienced. “The growth has been superb on both ends.”
Ashanti confirmed she will give birth before their public wedding, expressing her excitement for a beachside ceremony. She emphasized how aligned they are now, particularly in handling conflicts more maturely. “Now, it’s kind of like, ‘All right, you good?’ and we find out what the resolution is. We apologize,” she explained.
The couple’s journey to parenthood has also been special. Ashanti shared how she FaceTimed Nelly to announce her pregnancy, to which he responded, “Oh, I knew.” Celebrating Mother’s Day, Ashanti posted photos of her growing bump and expressed joy about their families coming together.
Their rekindled relationship, marked by personal growth and a shared vision for family, sets a strong foundation for their future. As Ashanti put it, “We are so, so aligned.”