Ashanti, 43, and Nelly, 49, have joyfully welcomed their first child together, sharing the happy news on Instagram.
The singer proudly posted a photo of herself in Frida Mom disposable underwear, offering a glimpse into her postpartum journey.
“Ashanti and Nelly welcomed their baby boy, Kareem Kenkaide Haynes, on July 18, 2024. The proud parents are overjoyed and deeply in love with KK!” a representative for the couple shared with PEOPLE.
In a series of photos on her Instagram, Ashanti also included a video of herself in a blue robe, celebrating her postpartum body with the caption, “Four weeks postpartum. You have no idea what this body can do.”
Reflecting on her new role as a mother, Ashanti wrote, “It’s funny how life’s plans don’t always align with our timing… I’ve been waiting to be a mom for so long, but nothing could have prepared me for everything that comes with motherhood!”
She continued, “This is what postpartum looks like, and 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 Award-winning couple first announced their pregnancy in a playful Instagram video where Ashanti teased the news while preparing for a performance. When her mother, Tina Douglas, asked how much time she needed, Ashanti responded, “Uh, I’m gonna need about nine months,” leaving her mom visibly surprised.
Ashanti later confirmed the pregnancy and engagement to Nelly in an interview with Essence, saying, “This new chapter of my life is such a blessing, filled with love, hope, and anticipation. Motherhood is something I’ve always looked forward to, and sharing this experience with my family, fiancé, and loyal fans who have supported my career is truly amazing.”
The couple tied the knot on December 27, 2023. TMZ was the first to break the news of their wedding.
Pregnancy rumors initially sparked when Ashanti and Nelly attended the 11th Black and White Ball at the Four Seasons Hotel in December. While onstage, Ashanti placed her hands on her stomach, and Nelly mirrored the gesture. The couple exchanged smiles and laughter, leading fans to speculate about their baby news.
Nelly confirmed their rekindled relationship during a September 2023 appearance on the Boss Moves with Rasheeda show, admitting that their reunion “surprised both of us.”
“It wasn’t something we planned,” Nelly explained. “But sometimes, when you’re apart, you start to understand each other better. You begin to see things from their perspective. We all have moments in relationships where we can be defensive, even when we know we’re wrong, but it’s part of the process.”
Nelly is already a father to two children: son Cornell III (known as Tre), 25, and daughter Chanelle (known as Nana), 30. He also played a significant role in raising his niece, Sydney, and nephew, Shawn, after his sister Jackie Donahue passed away from leukemia in March 2005 at the age of 31.
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