The Definitive Answer: Is Nelly In A Relationship? 5 Shocking New Details About His Life With Ashanti

The question of "is Nelly in a relationship" has finally been answered with a resounding and joyful 'yes,' but the real story is far more compelling than a simple confirmation. As of late December 2025, the legendary rapper, born Cornell Iral Haynes Jr., is officially a married man, having quietly tied the knot with his long-time love, R&B superstar Ashanti.

This news is a major update to their decades-long love story, which saw a public reunion, a secret wedding, and the arrival of a new family member, all within a whirlwind 2024. Fans who have followed the couple since their initial 2000s romance are now celebrating the definitive, and deeply private, steps they have taken to build their future together, cementing their status as one of music's most iconic power couples.

Cornell Iral Haynes Jr. (Nelly) Complete Biography & Profile

Cornell Iral Haynes Jr., universally known by his stage name Nelly, is an American rapper, singer, and actor who rose to prominence at the turn of the millennium.

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• Full Name: Cornell Iral Haynes Jr.
• Stage Name: Nelly
• Date of Birth: November 2, 1974
• Age (as of December 2025): 51
• Place of Birth: Austin, Texas (grew up in St. Louis, Missouri)
• Occupation: Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Actor, Entrepreneur
• Genres: Hip Hop, Dirty South, Pop Rap, R&B
• Notable Albums: Country Grammar (2000), Nellyville (2002)
• Key Singles: "Hot in Herre," "Dilemma," "Ride wit Me," "Country Grammar," "Over and Over"
• Marital Status (Current): Married to Ashanti
• Children: One child with Ashanti (born July 2024), plus two children from a previous relationship, Chanelle and Cornell Haynes III (Trey).

The Definitive Answer: Nelly Is Married to Ashanti and Welcomed a New Baby

The biggest news in Nelly's personal life is a major plot twist that unfolded throughout 2024. After a decade-long hiatus, his relationship with Ashanti has culminated in marriage and a new baby, making the rapper's current relationship status definitively "taken."

1. The Secret December 2023 Wedding

While the public celebrated their engagement in April 2024, reports later confirmed that Nelly and Ashanti had quietly married months earlier.

The couple reportedly tied the knot in a private ceremony in December 2023.

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Nelly later explained that he "didn't want her to be a baby mama," indicating his desire to formalize their commitment before the birth of their child.

This private decision highlights the couple's focus on a stable, committed family structure away from the public eye. The news of their wedding was a surprise to many, proving that some of the biggest celebrity stories are kept the most secure.

2. The Double Announcement: Engagement and Pregnancy in April 2024

The couple officially went public with their relationship updates in April 2024.

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Ashanti announced her pregnancy and engagement to Nelly in an interview with Essence magazine.

She described the new chapter as a "blessing full of love, hope, and anticipation."

This public confirmation of their commitment officially ended years of speculation following their reunion in 2023. The news immediately went viral, thrilling fans who had followed their on-again, off-again romance since the early 2000s.

3. Welcoming Their Son, Kareem Kenkaide Haynes

The family grew in the summer of 2024. Nelly and Ashanti welcomed their first child together, a baby boy.

Their son, Kareem Kenkaide Haynes, was born on July 18, 2024.

This joyous event cemented their new family unit, adding a beautiful new chapter to their love story. The couple has kept details about their son private, choosing to focus on their family time.

Nelly and Ashanti Relationship Timeline: A True Love Story

The journey of Nelly and Ashanti is a testament to second chances and enduring love. Their story spans over two decades, marked by a high-profile initial romance, a lengthy split, and a celebrated reunion.

The First Chapter: 2003 to 2013

The couple first met in 2003 at a Grammy nomination news conference.

They dated quietly for approximately ten years before parting ways in 2013.

During this period, they were one of the most talked-about couples in music, often appearing together at red-carpet events and collaborating on projects.

The breakup in 2013 was a shock to many fans, but both artists maintained a level of privacy about the reasons for their split.

The Reunion and Rekindling: 2022 to Present

Rumors of a reunion began to circulate around 2022, with the couple being spotted together at various events.

They didn't officially go public with their rekindled romance until 2023.

The reunion was celebrated by fans, who saw their relationship as a classic example of soulmates finding their way back to each other.

Nelly and Ashanti's decision to reunite after a decade apart shows a maturity and commitment to making their relationship work in a more private and committed way.

Nelly's Past High-Profile Relationships and Family Life

Before his marriage to Ashanti, Nelly maintained several other high-profile relationships, which often made headlines.

Shantel Jackson (2014–2021)

Following his initial split from Ashanti, Nelly was in a long-term relationship with model and actress Shantel Jackson.

Their relationship lasted from approximately 2014 until 2021. They were a consistent item on the red carpet and often spoke highly of each other in interviews.

Their split was amicable, and they appeared to maintain a level of mutual respect.

Other Notable Connections

Nelly's dating history also includes connections to other famous women, demonstrating his long history in the spotlight.

He was linked to Lashontae Heckard for a period between 2005 and 2014.

Earlier in his career, he was also associated with rapper Eve (2000–2003) and Nicole Narain (2004).

His Existing Children and Family

Nelly is a father to two other children from a previous relationship: a daughter named Chanelle and a son named Cornell Haynes III, often referred to as Trey. He is also the legal guardian of his late sister's children, Sydney and Shawn Thomas. This dedication to his family, including his nieces and nephews, has always been a significant part of his public persona, showcasing his commitment to family values.

The birth of his son with Ashanti, Kareem, has only expanded this loving family circle, solidifying his role as a devoted husband and father in the current phase of his life.

The Final Verdict on Nelly's Relationship Status

The question "is Nelly in a relationship" has transformed into a story of a beautiful, full-circle commitment. The rapper is not only in a relationship but is happily married to Ashanti, with whom he shares a new baby boy. The couple's journey from a 2000s power couple to a reunited, engaged, and secretly married pair in 2024 has captivated the public.

Their story serves as a powerful reminder that true love can withstand the test of time, distance, and the pressures of fame. As they celebrate "Happy 2025 From Haynes Family," as one source noted, Nelly and Ashanti are focused on their future, proving that their second chapter is the most meaningful one yet.