In a surprising twist, Nelly and Ashanti have been secretly married for six months! The couple, who had previously shared news of their engagement and pregnancy, managed to keep their December wedding under wraps until now.
PEOPLE obtained documents on Wednesday, June 19, confirming that Ashanti, 43, and Nelly, 49, tied the knot on December 27, 2023. TMZ was the first to report the couple’s secret nuptials, sparking excitement among fans and followers.
Earlier this week, Ashanti spoke with Entertainment Tonight about Nelly’s proposal and her dream wedding ideas. She described the proposal as a “beautiful, intimate moment” at home, adding a humorous touch by revealing that she was wearing one of Nelly’s T-shirts and boxers at the time.
In May, Ashanti celebrated her first Mother’s Day as an expectant mother, sharing joyous moments on Instagram. She posted photos of herself with Nelly and their families, proudly displaying her baby bump. “This Mother’s Day was so special,” Ashanti wrote in the caption. “Having our families together as we are about to embark on such an incredible journey was amazing. Wishing all of the amazing Moms and Moms to be a beautiful Mother’s Day…!!!!”
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The couple’s journey together has been a rollercoaster. They initially began dating in the early 2000s before parting ways in 2013. After a decade apart, they rekindled their romance in 2023 and soon announced their engagement and pregnancy.
Reflecting on their reunion, Nelly told Rasheeda on the Boss Moves show streaming on Philo in September, “I think it surprised both of us.”
In an April 2024 interview with Essence, Ashanti expressed her excitement about the changes in her life, particularly her impending motherhood. “This new year of my life is such a blessing full of love, hope, and anticipation,” she shared. She also subtly confirmed their engagement by referring to Nelly as her “fiancé.”
As fans celebrate the news of their secret wedding, the couple continues to enjoy their journey together, looking forward to the arrival of their first child.
