The Definitive Answer: 7 Shocking Secrets About Who Nelly Is Dating Now In 2025

The question of "who is dating Nelly" has finally been answered with a stunning, full-circle revelation: the legendary rapper is now married to his longtime love, R&B superstar Ashanti. As of this current date, December 11, 2025, the couple has not only rekindled their iconic romance but have solidified their commitment with a wedding, a new baby, and a reality show, proving that sometimes, two decades is just the right amount of time for a love story to truly begin. This deep dive uncovers the complete, up-to-the-minute details of their relationship, from their initial 2003 meeting to their life as a blended family today.

The news of Nelly and Ashanti’s reunion and subsequent marriage has captivated the music world, especially after their decade-long separation. Fans who adored the early 2000s power couple were thrilled to see them not only back together but thriving, with a new chapter that includes a son and a new Peacock series, Nelly and Ashanti: We Belong Together. Their journey is a testament to enduring love and perfect timing.

Ashanti: Complete Biography and Profile of Nelly's Wife

Nelly’s wife is the Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and actress, Ashanti Shequoiya Douglas. Known mononymously as Ashanti, she rose to fame in the early 2000s and is recognized as one of the definitive voices of R&B during that era.

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• Full Name: Ashanti Shequoiya Douglas
• Date of Birth: October 13, 1980
• Zodiac Sign: Libra (Nelly is a Scorpio, making them a famously intense "Scorpio and Libra pairing")
• Place of Birth: Glen Cove, New York, U.S.
• Parents: Ken Kaide Douglas (Father) and Tina Douglas (Mother), who was a former dance instructor.
• Career Highlights: Her self-titled debut album, Ashanti (2002), earned her a Grammy for Best Contemporary R&B Album. She is famous for hit singles like "Foolish," "Happy," and her collaborations with Ja Rule and Fat Joe. She was a key artist on the influential Murder Inc. Records label.
• Estimated Net Worth: Her net worth is estimated to be between $5 million and $10 million, stemming from her music sales, acting roles, and entrepreneurial ventures.

The Epic Relationship Timeline: From 2003 to Marriage in 2025

The love story between the "Hot in Herre" rapper and the "Foolish" singer is a true saga of on-again, off-again romance. Their relationship has spanned over two decades, featuring a dramatic 10-year hiatus that only made their reunion more poignant.

The Golden Era: 2003-2013

The couple first crossed paths in 2003 at a press conference for the Grammy Award nominations, where Nelly famously asked Ashanti for an autograph. They quickly became one of the most beloved and private couples in the music industry, a true R&B Power Couple. Despite years of speculation and public appearances, they rarely confirmed their relationship status, preferring to keep their private life out of the spotlight. Their initial romance ended quietly around 2013, leaving fans heartbroken and wondering what went wrong.

The Decade Apart: 2013-2023

Following their split, Nelly entered a long-term, high-profile relationship with model and entrepreneur Shantel Jackson, also known as Miss Jackson. This seven-year relationship lasted until around 2021, providing a significant chapter in Nelly's dating history. Meanwhile, Ashanti focused on her music, acting career, and various business ventures.

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The Rekindling and New Beginnings: 2023-2025

The universe had other plans for the pair. Rumors of a reunion began swirling in 2023 when they were seen together at a boxing match. The speculation turned to confirmation when Ashanti confirmed they had resumed their romantic relationship while attending the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards.

The rekindled love moved quickly. Nelly and Ashanti are now officially married, though the details of their wedding remain private, adding to the mystique of their relationship. The couple has openly discussed how the time apart was necessary for them to grow individually, making their second chance at love stronger and more mature.

Nelly’s Blended Family: The New Baby and His Other Children

The biggest update in their current life is the arrival of their first child together, which has expanded Nelly's already large family. Nelly, whose debut album Country Grammar made him a household name, is a proud father to five children.

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The Newest Addition: Son KK

Nelly and Ashanti welcomed their son, Kareem Kenkaide Haynes—affectionately known as KK—last year on July 18. As of late 2025, little KK is approximately one-and-a-half years old. The new parents have shared rare glimpses of their life with their baby boy, celebrating his first birthday with a Kunda and Friends themed bash.

Nelly’s Four Older Children

Nelly’s role as a father extends beyond his relationship with Ashanti. He is a devoted dad to four older children, two biological and two adopted, making their new family a beautiful blended family.

• Shawn Thomas and Sydney Thomas: Nelly adopted and raised his late sister, Jackie Donahue's, children after she tragically passed away from leukemia in 2005.
• Chanelle Hayes (Nana): His biological daughter.
• Cornell Hayes (Tre): His biological son, who shares his father's birth name.

Nelly’s commitment to his family, including his adopted niece and nephew, has been a central part of his personal life, and he has often spoken about the challenges and joys of raising his children.

Inside Their New Reality Show: "We Belong Together"

Fans who want an intimate look at the couple's life, marriage, and journey into new parenthood are in luck. Nelly and Ashanti are the stars of a new reality television series on the Peacock streaming service.

• Show Title: Nelly and Ashanti: We Belong Together
• Premiere Date: The eight-episode series premiered in June of this year.
• What to Expect: The show chronicles their journey of reuniting after a 10-year separation, blending their families, balancing their demanding music careers, and navigating the challenges and joys of being new parents to their son, KK.

The series offers a rare, personal look at the couple, giving viewers a front-row seat to their rekindled romance and the rules they’ve established to keep their marriage thriving. Nelly has even joked about how their first time dating was like a "test drive," suggesting that their current relationship is the real, fully committed journey.