Ashanti and Nelly, one of R&B’s most enduring power couples, welcomed their first child, Kareem Kenkaide Haynes, in July 2024.
The pair shared the milestone with fans via an intimate Instagram post, where Ashanti offered a candid look at her postpartum experience. “Funny how life’s plans aren’t… always on time.. lol,” she wrote, reflecting on how her long-held dream of motherhood arrived unexpectedly yet perfectly.
Now, the Foolish singer is eyeing an encore. In an interview with E! News, Ashanti revealed she’s eager to expand their family, with her sights set on a daughter.
“We’re going to add some more,” she said. “Definitely a girl to balance it out. I’m outnumbered in the house right now. So, a girl would be great.” With Kareem at seven months, Ashanti’s hint has fans buzzing about a potential sibling on the horizon.
The couple’s journey blends romance with resilience. Ashanti and Nelly first dated in 2003, parted ways in 2013, and stunned fans by reuniting in September 2023. Months later, Nelly proposed in a laid-back, heartfelt moment at home.
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“It was such a beautiful, intimate moment at home. I was wearing one of his T-shirts and his boxers—I had no idea it was coming!” Ashanti recalled. They sealed their rekindled love with a quiet December 2023 wedding, followed by Kareem’s arrival.
Nelly, a father of two from a previous relationship, has been captivated by Ashanti’s embrace of motherhood. “She’s an awesome mom, to watch someone care about someone else so much and give their all and is willing to give their all,” he said.
“Like she said, sometimes it can be too far but you would way prefer to have a parent that goes too far than a parent that doesn’t go far enough.”
Ashanti echoes the sentiment, cherishing this chapter with her longtime love. “I’m soaking in every moment of motherhood,” she told E! News, her gratitude palpable. Their bond, tested and triumphant over two decades, shines brighter with parenthood. “I’m beyond blessed to have Nelly by my side,” she added.
Given their track record—keeping Kareem’s pregnancy under wraps until late in the game—another surprise announcement wouldn’t be out of character.
While Ashanti hasn’t confirmed a timeline, her vision of a little girl to “balance it out” hints at more joy to come. For now, this R&B fairy tale continues to unfold, with Ashanti and Nelly proving love and family only grow stronger with time.
