Ashanti and Nelly earlier ignited pregnancy rumors after the “Country Grammar” rapper was seen rubbing her belly at his Black and White Ball in St. Louis. Us Weekly later confirmed that the couple is expecting their first child together.

A video circulating online captured the moment on stage, where the “Foolish” singer placed her hands on her belly while Nelly playfully rubbed it before she gently pushed him away. The event, attended by celebrities like Monica, Big Boss Vette, and Bow Wow, sparked excitement among fans.

Ashanti was expecting her first child, while Nelly already has two children, Chanelle Haynes and Cornell Haynes III from a previous relationship with Channetta Valentine.

The couple has a long history, first becoming romantically linked in 2003 and dating on and off before parting ways in 2013. However, they reunited on stage during the Fаt Joe and Ja Rule Verzuz battle in late 2021, and rumors of reconciliation began to swirl after they were spotted holding hands at a Las Vegas boxing match in April 2023.

Ashanti playfully paid tribute to their past at the 2023 MTV VMAs, carrying a handbag featuring a photo of the two exchanging numbers at the 2003 awards, exactly 20 years earlier. Nelly confirmed their rekindled relationship in September, and they went Instagram official in October, with Nelly posting in honor of Ashanti’s birthday. Days before his own birthday, Ashanti surprised him with a customized Chevrolet Impala, a nod to his 2000 hit “Ride Wit Me.”