Nelly's Five Kids: Everything To Know About His Children, From TikTok Star Syd To Baby KK With Ashanti

Nelly, the Grammy-winning rap icon, is now a proud father of five, a number that has grown in the last year with the arrival of his newest son, Kareem Kenkaide Haynes, with his wife, Ashanti. As of December 2025, the "Hot in Herre" and "Dilemma" artist is navigating a new chapter of fatherhood while his older children, including a social media sensation and a rising music artist, continue to make their own marks on the world. This comprehensive look dives into the lives, careers, and latest updates on the entire Haynes/Thomas family, offering a fresh, in-depth perspective on the man behind the music and his devoted commitment to his children. The rapper, whose real name is Cornell Iral Haynes Jr., has always prioritized family, famously stepping up to raise his niece and nephew after a devastating loss. His commitment to his children—both biological and adopted—is a central theme of his life, recently showcased in his new reality series with Ashanti, *Nelly and Ashanti: We Belong Together*.

Cornell Iral Haynes Jr. (Nelly) Full Biography

Cornell Iral Haynes Jr. was born on November 2, 1974, in Austin, Texas. He spent his early years in St. Louis, Missouri, where he would eventually launch his groundbreaking career. Nelly first rose to prominence in 1993 as a member of the Midwest hip-hop group St. Lunatics.

His solo debut album, *Country Grammar*, was released in 2000 and became a diamond-certified success, cementing his status as a global superstar. Over the years, Nelly has diversified his career, moving beyond music into acting, with roles in films like *The Longest Yard*, and even reality television with the popular BET series *Nellyville*.

His personal life has been closely watched, especially his on-again, off-again, and now on-again relationship with R&B star Ashanti, which culminated in their marriage and the birth of their first child together.

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Meet Nelly's Five Children: The Full Family List

Nelly is a dedicated father to five children, a mix of his biological offspring and the children of his late sister, Jacqueline "Jackie" Donahue, whom he adopted.

Here is a complete list of Nelly's children, with their current ages as of December 2025:

• Chanelle “Nana” Haynes: Age 31 (Daughter with Channetta Valentine)
• Shawn “Lil’ Shawn” Thomas Jr.: Age 27 (Adopted Nephew, son of Jackie Donahue)
• Cornell “Tre” Iral Haynes III: Age 26 (Son with Channetta Valentine)
• Sydney “Syd” Thomas: Age 22 (Adopted Niece, daughter of Jackie Donahue)
• Kareem Kenkaide “KK” Haynes: Age 1 (Son with Ashanti)

The Newest Addition: Kareem Kenkaide "KK" Haynes

The most significant and recent update to Nelly's family came on July 18, 2024, with the birth of his son, Kareem Kenkaide Haynes, affectionately nicknamed "KK," with his wife, Ashanti.

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The couple, who secretly married, has been very protective of their baby boy, choosing to keep him out of the public eye for the time being. However, they have shared a few details about his personality, including that the now 17-month-old infant is already "infatuated with music," suggesting the apple may not fall far from the tree.

The journey to parenthood with Ashanti is a major theme of their new Peacock reality series, *Nelly and Ashanti: We Belong Together*, which premiered in 2025. The couple has also openly discussed their desire to "definitely expand the family" further, hinting that a sixth child could be in their future.

The Biological Children: Chanelle “Nana” and Cornell “Tre” Haynes III

Nelly's oldest biological children are Chanelle and Cornell III, whom he shares with his ex-girlfriend, Channetta Valentine.

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• Chanelle "Nana" Haynes (Age 31): Born February 27, 1994, Chanelle is the oldest of Nelly's children. She has maintained a relatively private life compared to her younger siblings, though she has appeared on the family's previous reality show, *Nellyville*. Nana is a strong supporter of her father and his new family, having publicly shared her congratulations to Nelly and Ashanti on the birth of her new half-brother, KK.
• Cornell "Tre" Iral Haynes III (Age 26): Born March 2, 1999, Tre shares his father's and grandfather's full name. Tre is a dedicated sports enthusiast who played varsity football in high school. He has also been featured prominently on *Nellyville*, giving fans a glimpse into his life and relationship with his famous father.

The Thomas Siblings: Nelly's Enduring Legacy of Love and Adoption

Perhaps the most poignant aspect of Nelly’s family life is his dedication to his late sister's children, Shawn and Sydney Thomas, whom he adopted after her passing. This act of love underscores the rapper's deep commitment to family.

The Heartbreaking Loss of Jackie Donahue

Nelly’s sister, Jacqueline "Jackie" Donahue, tragically died in March 2005 at the age of 31 after a long and public battle with leukemia. Her passing was a devastating blow to the family and served as a catalyst for Nelly’s philanthropic work.

In his sister's honor, Nelly founded the Jes Us 4 Jackie foundation, which focuses on raising awareness and registering donors for bone marrow transplants, a cause that remains close to his heart two decades later.

Shawn "Lil' Shawn" Thomas Jr. (Age 27)

Shawn, affectionately known as "Lil' Shawn," was adopted by Nelly at the age of eight. Born February 28, 1998, he is now 27 years old and has followed in his uncle's footsteps into the music industry.

As a St. Louis-based artist, Lil' Shawn is actively pursuing a music career, showcasing his own unique style and sound. He has spoken publicly about the impact of losing his mother at an early age and the role Nelly played in raising him.

Sydney “Syd” Thomas (Age 22) - The Social Media Star

Sydney Thomas, born November 26, 2003, is the youngest of the adopted siblings and has become a major social media personality. As of December 2025, Syd is 22 years old and is an honors business student at the University of Alabama.

Sydney has successfully leveraged her college life and engaging personality into a burgeoning career as a TikTok star and online content creator. Her content, which often features lifestyle and college-themed videos, has garnered her a massive following, positioning her as one of the most visible members of the Haynes/Thomas family.

Syd's ability to blend academic ambition with a thriving digital presence makes her a modern-day success story and a testament to the diverse talents within Nelly's household.