*Ashanti and Nelly welcomed their first child together last month, a son, Kareem Kenkaide Hayes, born on July 18, the songstress announced Wednesday (Aug. 21).
The couple surprised fans in June when they revealed they had been married since December 2023. Ashanti first confirmed their baby news earlier this year, amidst growing speculation. As we reported earlier, Ashanti and Nelly first dated back in the 2000s, and their romance reignited last year after years of playful interactions and reunions, including joint performances and flirtatious appearances at various events.
Nelly hosted a surprise baby shower for his wife at a Dolce & Gabbana store in New York City last month. Footage from the event shows a surprised Ashanti emerging from an elevator, and being greeted by family and friends, including rapper Fat Joe and his wife, Lorena Cartagena.
“Oh my god, I thought I was coming to a photoshoot,” she said to her guests in a clip shared on Instagram Story July 1. “I’m in shock. Thank you guys so much, I love guys, I appreciate you. Thank you.”
Nelly and Ashanti dated on and off for years before splitting in 2013 and reconciling last summer.
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“Ashanti and Nelly welcomed their baby boy, Kareem Kenkaide Hayes, on July 18, 2024. The proud and happy parents are so in love with KK!” a representative for the couple told PEOPLE.
Ashanti also shared the news on Instagram, writing, “Four weeks postpartum. You have no idea what this body can do” as she posed for a mirror selfie wearing a gray set and silky patterned robe.”
She added, “Funny how life’s plans aren’t…always on time…lol. I’ve been waiting to be a mom for a long time now but nothing could prepare me for EVERYTHING motherhood brings!”
Nelly has two children from a previous relationship with Channetta Valentine. He adopted his niece and nephew, Sydney and Shawn, after the passing of his sister, Jackie Donahue, in 2005.
READ MORE FROMEURWEB.COM: Nelly Surprises Ashanti with Baby Shower at Dolce & Gabbana Store in NYC | Video
