R&B superstar Ashanti has given birth to a healthy baby boy, marking an extraordinary milestone in her personal life.

After an intense and lengthy natural birth, Ashanti and her partner, rapper Nelly, are thrilled to welcome their first child together.

According to sources close to the couple, both Ashanti and the newborn are in good health, though they are understandably exhausted following the birth.

Nelly was reportedly by Ashanti’s side throughout the entire process, providing support and comfort.

While the couple has requested privacy in the initial days after the birth, they are expected to share more details and celebrate the new addition with their fans in the coming week.

Ashanti, 43, and Nelly, 49, who had been in an on-and-off relationship for nearly a decade before their reunion, had kept their wedding and pregnancy news relatively private until now.

Their growing family is a testament to their evolving relationship, one that has faced its ups and downs but has ultimately found its way to this joyous occasion.

The couple’s wedding, which was kept secret until recently, took place on December 27, 2023, in St. Louis. Despite their public personas, Ashanti and Nelly opted for a private ceremony to mark their commitment to one another.

This news came shortly after it was revealed that Ashanti was pregnant with their first child, a journey they have embraced with open arms and full hearts.

The announcement of Ashanti’s pregnancy was made public in December 2023, following the confirmation that the couple had reconnected earlier in the year after a decade apart.

Ashanti and Nelly’s relationship has been a long and complicated one. The two first met at a Grammy Awards press conference in 2003 and began dating soon after.

However, their romance was tumultuous, with the couple breaking up in 2013 after ten years together. Despite their split, the two remained friends for years, occasionally collaborating on music and appearing in public together.

It wasn’t until 2021, when Ashanti and Nelly unexpectedly ran into each other at a Fat Joe and Ja Rule Verzuz battle, that they began reconnecting. Nelly asked for Ashanti’s number from DJ City, and the two gradually rekindled their romance.

In interviews, Nelly described the reunion as a surprise for both of them. “We were doing what we were doing career-wise, and when you have so many people involved, it can be tough,” he said.

However, despite the challenges, they began spending more time together. Ashanti, reflecting on their reunion, shared that she never thought they would reconnect, let alone get married and have a child.

“I didn’t even think we’d ever have a conversation again,” Ashanti admitted. But now, they are embracing this new chapter with a sense of calm and mutual understanding that wasn’t there in the past.

In their more recent years together, Ashanti and Nelly have been focused on nurturing their relationship, taking things slow, and building a solid foundation.

A source close to the couple explained, “Ashanti never would have imagined reconciling with Nelly a few years ago, but now they are enjoying spending time together.”

They are committed to moving forward without rushing things. They are in a better place now, with improved communication and fewer arguments.

Ashanti noted that while they used to have disagreements, they now handle conflict with more maturity, understanding, and respect.

The couple’s engagement, which came before the pregnancy announcement, was a moment of joy and surprise for Ashanti.

She opened up about the intimate proposal in an interview with Essence, describing it as “such a beautiful, intimate moment.” Nelly proposed to her in a casual setting, as they were simply relaxing at home.

Ashanti recalled that she was dressed in her pajamas, watching TV, when Nelly popped the question.

She was overwhelmed with emotion, sharing that she had given him “the biggest hug and kiss ever” and had FaceTimed everyone she knew to share the exciting news.

Ashanti also took the opportunity to reflect on their upcoming wedding, which she envisions will be a blend of “fashion, glamour, and Caribbean vibes.”

She emphasized that it would be a beach wedding, with palm trees, sunshine, and the ocean as part of the celebration.

She expressed excitement about the day, stating, “I think it’s going to be a combination of everything I love—fashion, Caribbean vibes, and of course, the beach.”

When asked about the timeline for their wedding, Ashanti confirmed that she would give birth before walking down the aisle, prioritizing the arrival of their baby over the ceremony.

However, she made it clear that they are both excited about their future together, as well as the journey of parenthood they are about to embark on.

Ashanti’s journey to motherhood has been a joyous and emotional one. After missing her period, she suspected that she might be pregnant and decided to FaceTime Nelly to share the news.

Nelly, who is also a father to two children from a previous relationship, was overjoyed at the news. Ashanti recalled the moment, saying, “I couldn’t wait, I had to get it out.”

She was at Nelly’s mother’s house at the time, and he was in the studio, but the excitement and happiness they shared were undeniable.

In the months leading up to the birth, Ashanti kept her fans updated on her pregnancy. On Mother’s Day, she posted photos of herself and Nelly, showing off her growing baby bump.

“Having our families together as we are about to embark on such an incredible journey was amazing,” she wrote alongside the photos, expressing gratitude for the love and support from her family and fans.

Ashanti has always been open about her excitement to become a mother, and the couple’s growing family has brought them closer together.

Looking back on their journey, Ashanti and Nelly are grateful for how far they have come. They have grown both individually and as a couple, learning from past mistakes and embracing the future with positivity.

Ashanti reflected on their relationship, saying, “Never in a million years did I think we would be here.” Despite the challenges they faced in the past, they are now a united front, ready to take on the challenges of parenthood and the adventures of married life.

Their relationship has always been one of growth and evolution, and this new chapter with their child marks the culmination of their journey together.

Ashanti and Nelly’s story is one of second chances, love, and the enduring power of connection.

As they prepare for the arrival of their little one, the couple is excited for the future, with their growing family and shared dreams. The best is yet to come for Ashanti, Nelly, and their new baby boy.