Nelly Reveals Reason Behind Marrying Ashanti After Two Decades of On-Again, Off-Again Romance
Hip-hop icon Nelly, 50, recently shared insights into his marriage with R&B sensation Ashanti following a 20-year, on-and-off relationship. Speaking on the Tuesday, March 26, episode of “The Bootleg Kev Podcast,” Nelly explained the factors that led them to finally tie the knot.
The acclaimed musicians officially wed in December 2023 after discovering they were expecting their first child together. Their son, Kareem, arrived in July 2024, solidifying their commitment.
Nelly is also father to daughter Chanelle, 31, and son Cornell, 26, from a previous relationship with Channetta Valentine. He also became the adoptive father to Jaqueline Donahue’s children, Sydney, 27, and Shawn, 26, following her passing from cancer in 2005.
Marriage Considerations and Expectant Parenthood
During his “Bootleg Kev Podcast” interview, Nelly confessed that marriage to Ashanti, 44, wasn’t seriously contemplated until her pregnancy in late 2023.
“We hadn’t discussed it at length yet,” he admitted. “Marriage hadn’t been a primary topic. I thought, ‘Let’s solidify this, given our busy schedules and life moving rapidly.’ I didn’t want to introduce our child into a situation where Ashanti was simply a ‘baby mama.'”
Ashanti and Nelly.
Reconnection and Renewed Happiness
Nelly and Ashanti’s romantic history dates back to 2003, commencing after they first connected at the Grammy Awards. Their initial relationship lasted until 2013. A decade after their separation, they rekindled their romance, culminating in their marriage in December 2023.
“My philosophy for any relationship is simple: ‘Does this person enhance your life more than detract from it?’ That’s the core question,” he stated on “The Bootleg Kev Podcast.”
The “Hot in Herre” artist reflected on the couple’s realization upon reuniting that many prior disagreements seemed trivial in retrospect.
“We discovered we were significantly happier than we initially perceived,” he remarked lightheartedly.
Ashanti Honors Nelly at iHeartRadio Music Awards
Ashanti surprised Nelly at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards on March 17, presenting him with the prestigious Landmark Award, celebrating the 25th anniversary of his seminal 2000 album, Country Grammar.
“[Nelly] spearheaded a movement, shaped popular culture, and etched his place in history,” Ashanti lauded her husband. “I am profoundly honored to celebrate Country Grammar and the gifted individual behind it!”
Reflecting on this touching moment, Nelly confirmed on “The Bootleg Kev Podcast” that Ashanti’s presentation of his career honor was a complete surprise.
“I assumed she was heading to our seats because we had just left the dressing area. She told me ‘Go out there and shine, babe. Best of luck,’” he recalled.
“Then, I’m backstage with my in-ear monitor, and I thought, ‘Wait, I recognize that voice,” he continued. “Then, I glanced at the monitor screen and I was stunned! … It was incredible, truly incredible. That’s my girl; she absolutely nailed it.”
Landmark Award and Son’s Name
Nelly electrified the iHeartRadio Music Awards stage in Las Vegas with a medley of chart-topping hits including “Hot in Herre,” “Air Force Ones,” “Ride Wit Me,” and “Country Grammar.” The Landmark Award specifically recognized his substantial influence on both music and cultural landscape over the past quarter-century.
Ashanti’s surprise tribute to Nelly occurred seven months following the arrival of their son Kareem in July 2024. Speaking with Entertainment Tonight in August 2024, Ashanti revealed Nelly’s decisive role in selecting their son’s name.
“His father chose the name with immense pride,” she affirmed. “We debated names extensively, but he remained resolute. He insisted, ‘This is my choice, I love it.’”
Later in August, Ashanti shared an Instagram post expressing pride in her postpartum physique, four weeks into motherhood.
“It’s amusing how life’s trajectories diverge from our plans … often not ‘Always on Time’,” she quipped, referencing her 2001 chart-topper “Always on Time” with Ja Rule. “I’ve long anticipated motherhood, yet nothing fully prepares you for the all-encompassing reality of it.”