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| The couple, who first announced their pregnancy earlier this year, revealed their excitement for this new adventure with their fans |
July 18, 2024, marks a momentous day for music power couple Ashanti and Nelly as they welcome their first child together, a son named Kareem Kenkaide Haynes. The pair, who tied the knot in December 2023, couldn't be happier as they embark on this exciting new chapter of parenthood.
Ashanti, 43, and her husband Nelly, 49, shared the joyful news on Instagram, where the "Foolish" singer gave fans an intimate glimpse into her postpartum journey. In a heartfelt carousel of photos, Ashanti posed in Frida Mom disposable underwear, capturing the realities of her "fourth trimester" and showcasing her post-baby glow. The proud new mom expressed her gratitude and awe for her body, writing, "You have no idea what this body can do."
In another video, Ashanti, draped in a cozy blue robe, playfully addressed the camera, celebrating her body just four weeks after giving birth. "Funny how life’s plans aren’t…always on time.. lol," she quipped. "I’ve been waiting to be a mom for a long time now, but nothing could prepare me for EVERYTHING motherhood brings!"
The couple, who first announced their pregnancy earlier this year, revealed their excitement for this new adventure with their fans. Ashanti made the announcement in a unique way, surprising her mom, Tina Douglas, with the news while preparing for a performance. When asked how much time she needed, Ashanti responded, "Uh, I'm gonna need about nine months," leaving her mother stunned.
Adding to the joy, Ashanti and Nelly's engagement news followed shortly after, with the Grammy-winning artist sharing her anticipation for the future. "This new year of my life is such a blessing full of love, hope, and anticipation," Ashanti told *Essence*. "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."
Ashanti and Nelly, whose relationship dates back over a decade, rekindled their romance in 2023 after a long hiatus. In a candid interview on *Boss Moves with Rasheeda*, Nelly reflected on their reconciliation, describing it as unexpected but rewarding. "It wasn't anything that we planned," Nelly shared. "But sometimes, being separate, you understand one another more."
Their journey back to love culminated in a beautiful wedding on December 27, 2023, with the couple exchanging vows in an intimate ceremony. Not long after, at the 11th Black and White Ball at the Four Seasons Hotel, Ashanti sparked pregnancy rumors when she rested her hands on her stomach on stage. Nelly, noticing the gesture, joined in, and their shared smile set off a wave of speculation that was later confirmed.
For Nelly, fatherhood is a familiar role. The rapper is already dad to son Cornell III (known as Tre), 25, and daughter Chanelle (known as Nana), 30. He also stepped in to raise his niece Sydney and nephew Shawn after his sister, Jackie Donahue, tragically passed away from leukemia in 2005. Now, with the arrival of baby Kareem, Nelly expands his family once more, this time alongside his soulmate, Ashanti.
As they embrace this new chapter, Ashanti and Nelly are undoubtedly cherishing every moment with their newborn son. The couple's representative summed it up best: "The proud and happy parents are so in love with KK!"
With love, music, and now a new baby boy to complete their family, the future looks incredibly bright for Ashanti and Nelly. Fans and well-wishers everywhere celebrate alongside the couple as they dive into the beautiful adventure of parenthood together.