Ashanti and Nelly welcome first child together: Inside their journey to parenthood

Pregnancy rumors emerged when the couple attended the Black and White Ball at the Four Seasons Hotel in December.

Ashanti is now a mom! The 43-year-old singer and her husband, Nelly, 49, have welcomed their first child together, announcing the joyful news on Instagram. 

 

 

 

 

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Ashanti shared a mirror selfie in her Frida Mom disposable underwear, giving fans a glimpse into her "fourth trimester" experience.

""Ashanti and Nelly welcomed their baby boy, Kareem Kenkaide Haynes, on July 18, 2024. The proud and happy parents are so in love with KK!" a representative for the couple told People.

In a series of photos on Instagram, Ashanti also posted a video of herself in a blue robe, proudly showing off her post-baby body and declaring, "Four weeks postpartum. You have no idea what this body can do."

"Funny how life’s plans aren’t…always on time.. lol. I’ve been waiting to be a mom for a long time now but nothing could prepare me for EVERYTHING motherhood brings!" the new mom wrote in her caption. She added, "This is what postpartum looks like I’m loving these super cozy @fridamom shorts! I’m so proud of my body for giving me my baby, baby, baby, baby, baby. 😆."

The Grammy-winning artist initially announced her pregnancy in a playful Instagram video, where her mother, Tina Douglas, asked how much time she needed to prepare for a performance. Ashanti responded, "Uh, I'm gonna need about nine months," leaving her mom surprised. She later revealed to Essence that she was not only expecting but also engaged to Nelly.

"This new year of my life is such a blessing full of love, hope and anticipation," Ashanti shared with the outlet. "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."

Ashanti and Nelly tied the knot on December 27, 2023, as confirmed by documents obtained by PEOPLE in June. TMZ was the first to report their wedding.

Pregnancy rumors first emerged when the couple attended the 11th Black and White Ball at the Four Seasons Hotel in December. While on stage, Ashanti placed her hands on her stomach, and Nelly mirrored the gesture. Their knowing smiles and laughter led fans to believe baby news was on the horizon.

Nelly is also a father to two children, son Cornell III (Tre), 25, and daughter Chanelle (Nana), 30. Additionally, he helped raise his niece Sydney and nephew Shawn after his sister, Jackie Donahue, passed away from leukemia at 31 in March 2005.