Nelly and Ashanti are expecting their first child together this year. To celebrate, Nelly threw Ashanti a surprise baby shower.
Nelly, 49, hosted the intimate event at the Dolce & Gabbana children’s boutique in New York City on Sunday. The celebration included family and famous friends, such as Fat Joe and Breland.
A video shared on Instagram captured the moment Ashanti was surprised. As the elevator doors opened, she was greeted by family and friends shouting, “Surprise!” Ashanti was visibly shocked, while Nelly stood by her side.
The post has since been made private or deleted by its owner.
Fat Joe posted a picture on Instagram with the couple, expressing his happiness for them. “Today we had a Baby Shower, I love you my sister I’m sooooooo happy for yall guys GOD IS GREAT @ashanti @nelly @lolamilan1,” the rapper wrote.
In the photo, Fat Joe and his wife, Lorena Cartagena, posed with Nelly and Ashanti amid yellow and white decor. Nelly wore an all-black outfit, while Ashanti showcased her baby bump in a Dolce & Gabbana two-piece set.
Another video on Instagram showed Nelly speaking about how he and Ashanti reconnected. He mentioned their viral moment during Fat Joe and Ja Rule’s Verzuz battle when he crossed the stage to hug her.
Nelly and Ashanti announced they were expecting in April, the same month they revealed their engagement. They rekindled their romance in 2023.
ET also learned that Nelly and Ashanti married in 2023, obtaining their marriage license in Missouri.
Earlier this month, Ashanti spoke to ET at her maternity shoot, sharing the moment she told Nelly about the pregnancy. “He was so happy, and we were both smiling,” she said. “I was at his mom’s house, and he was in the studio. It was a cool moment.”
Nelly has two adult children, Chanelle, 29, and Cornell Haynes III, 24, from a previous relationship. He also adopted his late sister Jackie Donahue’s children, Shawn and Sydney Thomas, after she passed away from leukemia in 2005.
Ashanti praised Nelly’s parenting skills, confident he will be an amazing father to their child. “He’s so good with his kids,” she said. “They have all had to make sacrifices because of his career, but when they are together, it’s the best thing in the world to watch.”
Ashanti is eager to meet their baby. “I’m excited about seeing this little human version of myself and the person I love so much,” she said. “I’m looking forward to having an extension of both of us and watching that spirit grow. It’s an amazing thing.”
