Nelly and Ashanti have quietly taken a big step in their relationship by tying the knot, despite announcing their engagement and pregnancy in April 2024.
Records obtained by TMZ reveal that the couple got married on December 27, 2023.
While details about the wedding location were not disclosed, the marriage was officially registered in St. Louis County, where Nelly hails from.
This surprising news comes over two decades after Nelly and Ashanti first met.
Although they dated in the early 2000s, they parted ways in 2013 to focus on their careers.
However, in September, Nelly, 49, revealed that they had rekindled their romance after spending years apart.
“It surprised both of us,” the ‘Hot in Herre’ rapper admitted on the Boss Moves with Rasheeda show.
“Sometimes, being apart helps you understand each other better. We all can be defensive in our relationships, even when we know we’re wrong.”
Earlier this year, Ashanti, 43, announced her pregnancy with Nelly’s child, expressing that the recent months have been filled with love, hope, and anticipation.
“Motherhood is something I have eagerly anticipated,” Ashanti shared with Essence in April.
“Sharing this experience with my family, fiancé, and loyal fans who have supported my career means the world to me.”
This will be the couple’s first child together.
Nelly is already a father to daughter Chanelle, 30, and son Cornell Haynes III, 25, from his previous relationship with Channetta Valentine.
Additionally, he adopted his late sister Jackie Donahue’s children, Shawn and Sydney Thomas, after her passing from cancer in 2005.
Related: Nelly quickly impregnates Ashanti after getting back together
