In recent news, singer Ashanti and Nelly have expanded their family. The couple welcomed their first child, a baby boy named Kareem Kenkaide Haynes, last month, a representative for Nelly informed CNN on Wednesday.
“Funny how life’s plans aren’t…always on time,” Ashanti shared on her Instagram page, referencing a lyric from her hit song “Always On Time” with Ja Rule. “I’ve been waiting to be a mom for a long time now but nothing could prepare me for EVERYTHING motherhood brings!”
Ashanti, aged 43, and Nelly, aged 49, confirmed their rekindled relationship last year. Their romantic reunion took place 20 years after they were initially linked in a relationship, and a decade following their split.
In April, the couple revealed they were engaged and expecting a baby in an exclusive statement provided to Essence magazine.
“This new year of my life is such a blessing full of love, hope, and anticipation,” Ashanti expressed. “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.”
Allegedly, the couple tied the knot in December 2023.
This marks the first child for Nelly and Ashanti. The “Hot in Herre” rapper is a father to two children from a previous relationship and also adopted his niece and nephew after his sister passed away from leukemia in March 2005.