Ashanti and Nelly Welcome Their First Child: “I’m So Proud of My Body”

Ashanti and Nelly welcomed their first child together, the singer announced Wednesday. The happy news comes a few months after the couple announced they were expecting and engaged.

Ashanti Announces She Is Pregnant and Engaged to Nelly

“Funny how life’s plans aren’t…always on time,” Ashanti wrote on Instagram, a reference to her 2001 hit with Ja Rule, “Always On Time.”

“I’ve been waiting to be a mom for a long time now but nothing could prepare me for EVERYTHING motherhood brings,” the “Foolish” singer continued. “This is what postpartum looks like… I’m so proud of my body for giving me my baby, baby, baby, baby, baby.”

In a video attached to the post, Ashanti posed in a loungewear set and told the camera, “Four weeks postpartum. You have no idea what this body can do.”

Colin Hanks, Diane Guerrero, Nelly Join Buddy Holly Biopic 'Clear Lake'

A representative for the couple told People magazine that the new baby boy’s name is Kareem Kenkaide Haynes, and he was born on July 18, 2024.

Ashanti and Nelly first announced they were expecting in April, when they simultaneously confirmed they were engaged. Kareem is Nelly’s fifth child, and Ashanti’s first. The couple first dated in 2003 before ending things in 2013 and then rekindling their romance in 2023.

Live Nation Sets Drive-In Concert Series Amid Pandemic