Ashanti and Nelly have a baby on the way—and they’re engaged.
The 43-year-old singer announced on Wednesday that she’s pregnant with her first child in a sweet post on her Instagram.
The clip portrays a buzzing backstage scene in preparation for a concert performance. When one of Ashanti’s staff members yells out asking how much time she needs, the singer emerges from a curtain holding a test strip and says, “I need about nine months.”
Nelly, 49, also shared the announcement to his IG account. Wishing them congratulations in the comments were La La Anthony, Kash Doll, LeToya Luckett, and more.
The singer revealed to Essence that she and the rapper are also tying the knot, saying, “This new year of my life is such a blessing full of love, hope, and anticipation. Motherhood is something that I have looked forward to, and sharing this with my family, fiancé, and loyal fans, who have been so supportive of my career, is an amazing experience.”
The couple also told the publication that they’re co-owners of Proov, a diagnostics company that provides affordable fertility tests at home. Ashanti is seen holding a Proov strip at the end of her pregnancy announcement video.
Last year, Ashanti and Nelly rekindled their relationship after dating on and off from the early aughts through 2013. Rumors that they were pregnant with their first child began to spread in December, but neither party confirmed nor denied the speculation at the time.
Tina Douglas, Ashanti’s mother and manager, spoke on the matter last month when a host tried to congratulate her for their pregnancy, saying, “There’s been no announcement. It hasn’t come out yet until I hear it from Ashanti and Nelly.”
According to People, Nelly welcomed two other children from previous relationships, including daughter Chanelle in 1994 and son Cornell Jr. in 1999. After the rapper’s sister, Jackie Donahue, died of leukemia in 2005, he adopted her two children Shawn and Sydney Thomas.
