Ashanti and Nelly are engaged and expecting their first child together

Ashanti and Nelly have announced they are engaged and expecting their first baby together. The musical artists first dated in 2003 and delighted fans when they rekindled their relationship in 2023.

Essence magazine announced the pair's big news on Wednesday, writing on social media: "Congratulations to Ashanti and Nelly, who are ENGAGED and EXPECTING their first child together!"

In a statement to the magazine, Ashanti, 43, said this year is "such a blessing full of love, hope, and anticipation."