R&B star Ashanti has stepped into a new role—she is a mom! The singer, 43, and her husband Nelly, 49, have welcomed their first child together.
The couple shared the joyful news on Instagram, with Ashanti posting a mirror selfie in Frida Mom disposable underwear, giving a glimpse into how her fourth trimester looked like.
“Ashanti and Nelly welcomed their baby boy, Kareem Kenkaide Haynes, on July 18, 2024. The proud and happy parents are so in love with KK!” a rep for the couple told PEOPLE.
In the Instagram post, Ashanti shared a series of photos and a video where she confidently showcased her postpartum body in a blue robe, stating, “Four weeks postpartum. You have no idea what this body can do.”
“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!” she wrote in her caption.
“This is what postpartum looks like I’m loving these super cozy @fridamom shorts! I’m so proud of my body for giving me my baby, baby, baby, baby, baby. 😆.”
Grammy Award-winning artists Ashanti and Nelly first revealed they were expecting their first child together through a playful Instagram video.
As Ashanti prepared for a performance, her mom asked how much time she needed, to which the singer replied, “I’m gonna need about nine months,” leaving her mom stunned. In an interview with Essence, Ashanti confirmed both her pregnancy and her engagement to Nelly.
“This new year of my life is such a blessing full of love, hope, and anticipation,” Ashanti told the outlet. “Motherhood is something that I have looked forward to, and sharing this with my family, fiancé, and loyal fans, who have been so supportive of my career, is an amazing experience.”
Nelly and Ashanti tied the knot on December 27, 2023, as confirmed by documents obtained by PEOPLE in June. TMZ first broke the news of their wedding. The couple sparked pregnancy rumors during the 11th Black and White Ball at the Four Seasons Hotel in December, when they shared a moment onstage together.
Ashanti rested her hands on her stomach, and Nelly followed suit, leading to shared smiles and laughter that fans saw as a hint of baby news.
Nelly is already a father to two adult children: son Cornell III, 25, and daughter Chanelle, 30.
He also helped raise his niece Sydney and nephew Shawn following the death of his sister, Jackie Donahue, who passed away from leukemia at 31 in 2005.
