5 Surprising Facts About Nelly's Children: The Rapper's Growing Family And New Baby In 2025

Rapper Nelly, born Cornell Iral Haynes Jr., is making headlines not just for his music, but for his rapidly expanding family life, which has seen significant changes in 2024 and 2025. As of December 2025, the hip-hop icon is a proud father of five children, a mix of biological and adopted, with the most recent addition being his son, Kareem Kenkaide Haynes, with his wife, Ashanti. The family is set to grow even larger, as the couple confirmed in late 2024 that they are expecting their second child together, making the "Hot in Herre" star a father of six.

The story of Nelly's children is a beautiful tapestry of blended family, adoption, and generational talent, spanning from his adult kids who are forging their own careers to the newest member of the Haynes dynasty. This article provides a comprehensive, up-to-date look at every member of Nelly's incredible family.

Cornell Iral Haynes Jr. (Nelly) Full Biography and Profile

Nelly, an influential figure in hip-hop and R&B, has built a legacy that extends far beyond his chart-topping hits like "Dilemma," "Hot in Herre," and "Country Grammar."

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• Full Name: Cornell Iral Haynes Jr.
• Stage Name: Nelly
• Date of Birth: November 2, 1974
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 51
• Birthplace: Austin, Texas
• Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri
• Parents: Cornell Haynes Sr. and Rhonda Mack
• Wife: Ashanti (married in 2024)
• Occupation: Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Actor, Entrepreneur, and Reality TV Star (Nellyville)
• Key Achievement: Three-time Grammy Award winner and one of the best-selling rap artists of all time.

The Five Pillars of Nelly's Family: Biological and Adopted Children

Nelly is a dedicated patriarch to a blended family of five children. He has two biological children from a previous relationship with Channetta, two adopted children (his niece and nephew), and one new biological son with his wife, Ashanti. This blended family showcases his commitment to fatherhood.

1. Chanelle "Nana" Haynes (Biological Daughter)

Chanelle, affectionately known as Nana, is Nelly's eldest biological daughter.

• Date of Birth: February 27, 1994
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 31
• Mother: Channetta
• Career/Public Life: Chanelle appeared prominently on the reality television show Nellyville, which offered fans a glimpse into the family's life. She remains close with her father and is often seen with him at public events.

2. Cornell Iral Haynes III "Tre" (Biological Son)

Sharing his father's and grandfather's name, Cornell Iral Haynes III, or Tre, is Nelly's eldest biological son.

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• Date of Birth: March 2, 1999
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 26
• Mother: Channetta
• Career/Public Life: Tre is a sports enthusiast who played varsity football in high school. He also appeared on Nellyville and has a strong social media presence, often showcasing his athletic pursuits and family moments.

3. Shawn Thomas (Adopted Nephew)

Shawn Thomas is Nelly's nephew, whom he adopted and raised after the tragic death of his half-sister, Jacqueline "Jackie" Donahue, in 2005.

• Relationship: Son of Nelly's late sister, Jackie Donahue, who passed away from leukemia.
• Career/Current Activity: Shawn has pursued a career outside of the entertainment world. Reports indicate he works as a Senior IT Support Engineer at TMX Group, demonstrating a successful professional life.

4. Sydney Thomas (Adopted Niece)

Sydney Thomas is Nelly's niece, who was also adopted and raised by the rapper following her mother's passing.

• Relationship: Daughter of Nelly's late sister, Jackie Donahue.
• Career/Current Activity: Sydney is a rising star in her own right. She is a viral content creator, a social media personality, and has gained significant attention as a ring girl for major boxing events. She recently made a major Hollywood move by signing with the prestigious Creative Artists Agency (CAA), while also balancing her career with university studies.

5. Kareem Kenkaide Haynes "KK" (Biological Son)

Kareem Kenkaide Haynes is the newest and most talked-about addition to the family, born to Nelly and his wife, R&B singer Ashanti.

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• Date of Birth: July 18, 2024
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 1 year and 5 months
• Mother: Ashanti
• Name Meaning: His middle name, Kenkaide, is a tribute to Ashanti's father.
• Public Life: The couple has been open about their joy, with Nelly embracing fatherhood again at 50 and Ashanti celebrating her first child.

The Future: Baby No. 2 with Ashanti and a Growing Legacy

The "Country Grammar" artist and Ashanti are not slowing down in their journey to expand their family. In a move that thrilled fans globally, the couple confirmed in November 2024 that they are expecting their second child together, often referred to by the media as "Baby No. 2."

This news solidifies the couple's relationship and commitment, bringing the total number of children Nelly is a father to to six. The anticipation for the new baby has become a major focal point for the couple's supporters, marking a new, exciting chapter in Nelly's personal life.

Nelly's dedication to his children, whether biological or adopted, has been a defining characteristic of his life outside of music. His decision to adopt Shawn and Sydney Thomas after the death of his sister, Jacqueline Donahue, in 2005, cemented his role as a compassionate and committed father figure. This act of love created a strong, resilient family unit that has supported each other through life's biggest challenges and successes.

From the early days of Nellyville, which documented the lives of his then-teenage children, to the present day where his adult kids are making waves in their own careers—Shawn in IT and Sydney in entertainment—Nelly's legacy is clearly being carried on. The newest addition, Kareem Kenkaide Haynes, and the impending arrival of Baby No. 2 ensure that the Haynes family dynasty will continue to grow, thrive, and remain one of the most dynamic families in the entertainment world.