Ashanti and Nelly announce birth of their first child and reveal son's name
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Ashanti and Nelly shared the exhilarating news of their first baby’s arrival and revealed their son’s name, capturing hearts with a glimpse into their new life as parents.
Ashanti celebrated her postpartum journey with a candid mirror selfie and a joyful video, showcasing her pride and love for her new role as a mother. The couple’s announcement comes after a delightful reveal of their engagement and subsequent marriage, adding an extra layer of joy to their growing family.
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Ashanti and Nelly welcome their first child together
The 43-year-old singer Ashanti and her 49-year-old husband Nelly have welcomed their first child together, sharing the joyful news on Instagram. In a photo, Ashanti is seen wearing Frida Mom disposable underwear, capturing a mirror selfie to showcase her fourth-trimester experience.
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According to a representative for the couple, “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!”
On her Instagram, Ashanti also posted a video of herself in a blue robe, proudly displaying her postpartum body with the message, “Four weeks postpartum. You have no idea what this body can do.”
In her caption, Ashanti reflected on the unpredictable journey of motherhood: “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!”
She expressed her love for her cozy Frida Mom shorts and her pride in her body for giving her the baby she longed for, "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. 😆"
While Ashanti embraces motherhood for the first time, Nelly is already a father to son Cornell III aka Tre, 25, and daughter Chanelle aka Nana, 30. Additionally, Nelly has played a significant role in raising his niece Sydney and nephew Shawn following the death of his sister, Jackie Donahue, who died from leukemia at 31 in March 2005
Ashanti and Nelly's fans gush over the arrival of their first baby
Within 10 hours of posting the carousel on Instagram, Ashanti’s 599K fans quickly liked the post and flooded the comments with well wishes and congratulations for the new arrival.
One user wrote, "Congratulations!! I just know you’re gonna be the best mommy!!!"
Another added, "I'm so happy that you got to experience motherhood ❤️ Congratulations to you both 😘🥰"
One more person penned, "I am SO HAPPY FOR YOU😍❤️😍❤️ you deserve all the happiness in the world. You are going to be a wonderful mother @ashanti 🥰"
"Hey now. Sis looking good. 🥰 congrats on the baby. You look so beautiful. I love that you are transparent with what it looks like after having a baby. 👏👏" one individual wrote on her Instagram post.
One fan exclaimed, "Awww Shant, you miss performing I see lol congratulations 💙 there’s no manual for parenthood you learn as you go and you will do great." Someone else said, "Congratulations to you both I hope you had a stress free and a moment you will never forget , am I late or did the say waterzzzz."
Ashanti and Nelly spark pregnancy rumors in December
The couple first announced their pregnancy when Ashanti shared a video on Instagram before a performance. When her mother Tina Douglas asked how much time she needed, Ashanti humorously replied, “Uh, I'm gonna need about nine months,” surprising her mother.
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Ashanti later revealed not only her pregnancy but also her engagement to Nelly, expressing her excitement about this new chapter filled with love and anticipation.
"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."
Nelly and Ashanti got married on December 27, 2023, as reported by PEOPLE in June. During their appearance at the 11th Black and White Ball at the Four Seasons Hotel in December, pregnancy rumors began when Ashanti rested her hands on her stomach and Nelly followed suit. The couple’s shared smiles and laughter made many fans speculate about the baby.
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