Ashanti and Nelly Announce Engagement Alongside Pregnancy News

When spinning the block goes right!

In a heartwarming double revelation, Ashanti and Nelly have announced not only are they expecting their first child together, but they are also engaged.

The lovebirds shared the engagement news exclusively with ESSENCE on Wednesday.

“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,” says Ashanti.

The couple, who first sparked a romance in 2003 during the ascent of their music careers, recently reunited. Nelly confirmed their rekindled relationship last year, attributing their unexpected reunion to natural chemistry and shared past experiences. “Yeah, we cool again,” he commented in a fall interview with Love and Hip Hop: Atlanta stars Kirk and Rasheeda Frost. “I think it surprised both of us, though. It wasn’t anything that [was] planned. I think we’re both pretty much doing what we do,” he added, noting that their relationship feels lighter and more effortless now that they are older.

Nelly also highlighted the ease of their current relationship, contrasting it with their past. “It’s no pressure,” he remarked. “You know, before I felt like both of us are doing what we’re doing career wise. And when you got so many people in the middle of it, it can be tough.”

Their paths crossed again after a long hiatus during the Verzuz event between Fat Joe and Ja Rule, where a notable hug from Nelly to Ashanti reignited their connection. This gesture, as Ashanti later revealed, was a pleasant surprise that eventually led to their current engagement and the joy of expecting a child together.