Ashanti opens up about surprise marriage to Nelly

Ashanti and Nelly, the popular R&B stars, have surprised many by confirming their marriage through legal records in the St. Louis County Recorder. The duo, known for hits such as "Lil Bit" and "Only U," tied the knot in a quiet ceremony on Dec. 27, 2023.

Speculation about their relationship blossomed earlier this year when Ashanti revealed their engagement and pregnancy. The "Baby" singer expressed her excitement about embracing motherhood alongside her new husband, Nelly, who is famous for tracks like "Hot in Herre" and "Body On Me."

Before making their rekindled romance official, the couple had a turbulent history, including a breakup in 2013 after an 11-year on-and-off relationship. However, Nelly confirmed their reconciliation in a candid chat with Rasheeda on "Love and Hip Hop Atlanta"'s TV show, sharing that their connection took them both by surprise.

Despite their long and sometimes rocky journey, Ashanti described Nelly's proposal as a "beautiful, intimate" moment. The heartfelt gesture took place while the couple was enjoying a cozy evening watching TV in bed, leading to tears of joy and an outpouring of emotion from the singer.

Their love story took an unexpected turn during a performance in Atlanta, where Nelly playfully hinted at Ashanti's pregnancy before she even knew herself. The ensuing viral moment sparked rumors that were later confirmed, with the couple sharing the news and their engagement in an ad for their diagnostics company.

In a recent interview with ET, Ashanti reflected on the journey that led them to this point, expressing gratitude for the surprise turn of events. The singer also touched on the excitement of her first pregnancy and the joy of fulfilling a long-held dream.