Nelly and Ashanti's love story has captivated fans for years, and after a decade-long break, the couple is back together and stronger than ever. Not only did they rekindle their romance in 2023, but they also secretly tied the knot and are now expecting their first child together. While this exciting news has many fans buzzing, it has also sparked curiosity about Nelly’s family life. As it turns out, Nelly, whose real name is Cornell Haynes II, is already a proud father of four. Let’s take a closer look at Nelly’s kids and the growing Haynes family.
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Nelly’s Four Children: A Blended and Loving Family
Nelly’s journey into fatherhood began long before his relationship with Ashanti. He has four children, two biological and two adopted, each of whom holds a special place in his heart.
1. Chanelle Haynes: Nelly’s daughter, Chanelle, affectionately known as "Nana," is his oldest child from a previous relationship. Chanelle has grown up largely out of the public eye, but she occasionally makes appearances on Nelly’s social media. She’s now a young adult, and from what we can gather, she’s inherited her father’s ambition and strong work ethic.
2. Cornell Haynes III: Named after his father, Cornell Haynes III, often called "Tre," is Nelly’s son from a previous relationship. Like his sister, Cornell has been kept out of the spotlight for most of his life. However, Nelly occasionally shares glimpses of their close father-son bond on Instagram.
3. Sydney and Shawn: In addition to his biological children, Nelly adopted his niece and nephew, Sydney and Shawn, after the passing of his sister, Jackie, in 2005. Jackie’s death from leukemia was a devastating blow to the family, and Nelly stepped in to care for her two children as his own. Sydney and Shawn have grown up with Nelly as their father figure, and their bond with him is as strong as any biological connection.
Nelly has always been protective of his children, ensuring they grow up away from the intense glare of the public eye. However, when he does share moments with them, it’s clear that family is at the center of his world.
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A New Chapter with Ashanti
While Nelly’s four children are no strangers to the love and support of their father, they are about to welcome a new sibling into the fold. Nelly and Ashanti, who first dated from 2003 to 2013, surprised everyone when they rekindled their romance in 2023. The couple’s reunion was met with enthusiasm from fans who had always hoped they would find their way back to each other.
In September 2023, Nelly confirmed that he and Ashanti were back together, and their relationship has only grown since then. The couple managed to keep their wedding under wraps, secretly marrying in December 2023. The news broke in 2024 when USA Today uncovered public records confirming their marriage in St. Louis, Missouri.
Now, the couple has even more exciting news to share—they are expecting their first child together. This will be Ashanti’s first child, and while Nelly is already an experienced dad, there’s no doubt that this new addition will bring even more joy to their blended family.
Looking Ahead: A Growing Family and Unwavering Support
As Nelly and Ashanti prepare to welcome their new baby, it’s clear that they are ready to embrace this new chapter in their lives. Nelly’s love for Ashanti has been evident in his recent social media posts, where he’s expressed his admiration for her as both his partner and a hard-working, incredible woman.
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In one heartfelt birthday message to Ashanti, Nelly shared a slideshow of their happiest moments together, writing, “One time for the birthday girl…. Such a beautiful, an incredible person inside and out and one of the hardest working women. I know.. @ashanti Enjoy your day Ma you look awesome!!!! Happy Birthday Love ya!!!!” His words reflect not only his deep affection for Ashanti but also his excitement for the future they are building together.
As fans eagerly await the arrival of their baby, we wish Nelly, Ashanti, and their expanding family all the best. With a strong foundation of love and support, there’s no doubt that the Haynes family will continue to thrive.
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