Ashanti is pregnant, expecting first child with boyfriend Nelly

Nelly and Ashanti at Cipriani Wall Street on April 26^ 2012 in New York City.

Us Weekly confirmed that singer Ashanti, 43, is pregnant with her first child after rekindling her romance with boyfriend Nelly, 49, earlier this year.

Ashanti and Nelly dated on and off from 2003-2013; this past April, the duo went public and were seen holding hands at a boxing match in Las Vegas, later in October they went Instagram official with Nelly wishing his longtime love a happy birthday with a slideshow of photos and the caption: “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!!!!”

Ashanti sparked pregnancy speculation over the weekend when she attended Nelly’s Black and White Ball in St. Louis. According to a fan video shared by TMZ, Ashanti put her hand on her stomach while on stage with Nelly and he did the same, and the couple broke into laughter after hinting they were expecting.

The baby will be Ashanti’s first child; Nelly, 49, shares daughter Chanelle, 29, and son Cornell Haynes III, 24, with his ex, Channetta Valentine.

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