In a bombshell revelation that has sent shockwaves through social media, R&B queen Ashanti has confirmed that she secretly married rapper Nelly. After years of speculation and rumors, the power couple finally announced their hush-hush wedding, leaving fans ecstatic and eager for more details.

Ashanti and Nelly, who have had an on-and-off relationship for about a decade, have been the subject of much public interest. Earlier this year, Ashanti hinted at their engagement but kept the proposal details under wraps. Recently, she shared with Entertainment Tonight the intimate and unexpected proposal orchestrated by Nelly. The rapper proposed at home, getting down on one knee with a ring during a casual moment in their bedroom. “It was such a beautiful, intimate moment,” Ashanti recalled. “We weren’t dressed up at all. I was completely surprised, wearing one of his t-shirts and his boxers.”

Public records from St. Louis, Missouri, obtained by USA Today, revealed that the couple legally married on December 27, 2023. However, they are yet to host an official celebration. Ashanti expressed her joy and surprise, describing the proposal as a mix of overwhelming emotions. “I cried, gave him the biggest hug and kiss ever, and FaceTimed everyone I know,” she said.

The couple is also expecting their first child together later this year, marking Ashanti’s first and Nelly’s fifth child. Ashanti has a month in mind for their wedding but plans to give birth before tying the knot. She envisions a wedding filled with fashion, glam, and Caribbean vibes, dreaming of a beach setting with ocean views, sunshine, and palm trees.

Ashanti and Nelly’s relationship has had its ups and downs, starting around their Grammy nominations and wins in 2003. Despite their breakup, the couple reconnected in 2021 at a Verzuz battle between Fat Joe and Ja Rule. Nelly confirmed their renewed relationship status in a September 2023 interview on the show “Boss Moves with Rasheeda” on Philo, describing their current status as “cool again.”

Their romance was made red-carpet official at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards in September, where Ashanti accessorized her look with a clutch featuring a photo of the couple. Reflecting on their journey, Ashanti said, “Never in a million years did I think we would be here. Maybe ten years ago, yes, but after our breakup, I thought we’d never even speak again.”

The couple’s relationship timeline is filled with memorable moments. They first crossed paths in 2003 at a press conference for the Grammy Award nominations. Despite initial playful exchanges, it took Nelly a while to get Ashanti’s number. Over the years, their relationship remained under the radar, with public appearances and hints at their connection. In 2006, they were photographed together at Diddy’s perfume launch party, and in 2009, they collaborated on the music video for “Body On Me,” showcasing their chemistry.

Even after their breakup, Ashanti maintained that there was no animosity between them. In various interviews, she emphasized their friendship and mutual respect. Their reunion has been a testament to their growth and maturity, as they navigated the complexities of their relationship.

Now, as they embark on this new chapter together, fans are eagerly anticipating their upcoming wedding and the birth of their child. Ashanti and Nelly’s love story is a beautiful reminder that sometimes, love finds its way back, even after years of distance and uncertainty.