Nelly and Ashanti attend Nelly's Halloween Birthday Celebration on October 31, 2023 in Fairburn, Georgia.
Photo Credit: Prince Williams / Contributor | WireImage via Getty Images

How Many Children Does Nelly Have?

St. Louis rapper Nelly has made his mark in the industry with his music. With the news of him expecting his first child with Ashanti, some fans might be eager to know whether Nelly has any other children.

This will be the third child for the “Dilemma” rapper. He is already a father of two kids with his ex Channetta Valentine: 29-year-old daughter Chanelle and 24-year-old son Cornell Haynes III.

Besides his biological kids, Nelly has two adopted children, his niece and nephew. The rapper adopted the kids after his sister Jackie passed away from leukemia complications in 2005.

Not much is known about Nelly’s kids since he has kept them out of the public eye. However, he does post pictures of them on social media for special occasions (via UPROXX).

Nelly and Ashanti’s relationship timeline

Singer Ashanti and Nelly first met during a Grammy Awards press conference. They dated on and off from 2003 to 2013. During their time together, the rap star collaborated with the R&B singer on various occasions, including her 2007 track “Switch” and Nelly’s 2010 single “NY Lover.”

Almost a decade later, the couple sparked reconciliation rumors again in April 2023 when they were spotted holding hands at the Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia boxing match at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. They were also seen together attending a 40th birthday party for businessman Jon Schwartz.

After a few months, the duo confirmed that they were back together. Nelly confirmed the news in September during an episode of Philo TV’s “Boss Moves with Rasheeda.” He said, “Yeah, we cool again. I think it surprised both of us though. It wasn’t anything that I don’t think was planned.”

Even Ashanti confirmed her relationship status in September. She carried a purse with a personalized photo of them on the 2023 MTV Video Awards red carpet.

In October, the two went official on Instagram after Nelly wished “birthday girl” Ashanti with a sweet message. In return, Ashanti gifted Nelly his “dream car” last month, which he had wanted “since he was a kid” (via Us Weekly).

The couple are now expecting their first child together. They sparked pregnancy rumors while attending the Grammy award-winning rapper’s 11th Black and White Ball at the Four Seasons Hotel in St. Louis over the weekend. 

Ashanti made fans curious during the event after she placed her hand on her stomach, cradling a baby bump. Even Nelly touched her stomach, seemingly indicating they were expecting a little bundle of joy. 

However, as of now, the couple has neither confirmed nor denied the news. 

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