Ashanti's hands on her belly at an event late last year sparked suspicions that she and Nelly were pregnant, reigniting their romance a decade after their breakup. Their April announcement of Ashanti's pregnancy and engagement verified these rumors.

The 43-year-old singer said she was ignorant of her pregnancy. "We didn't even know," she claimed Tuesday in an interview. She said she touched her stomach while adjusting a dress pendant. Last December at Nelly's Black and White Ball in St. Louis, Missouri, Ashanti touched her stomach, Nelly briefly touched the item, and Polow da Don joked that they "seal the deal."

"I was pushing it down, and he's making it look like something," she said. Ashanti missed her period after the occasion, suggesting she was pregnant. "I was shocked, happy, and emotional," she said. "I always dreamed about it and felt the timing was perfect." When she FaceTimed Nelly with the news, he smiled and said he suspected it.

Ashanti said the time at Nelly's mom's house while he was in the studio was wonderful and private. "Really cool moment," she said. "I cried, gave him the biggest hug and kiss ever, and FaceTimed everyone I know."

Having two adult children from prior relationships and adopting his late sister's children, Nelly was thrilled. Ashanti also said they hope to have their child before their wedding, within a specific month.

About a decade after dating, the pair made their relationship public again in 2023. Ashanti revealed their relationship at the MTV VMAs with a clutch bearing their photo. "Never in a million years did I think we would be here," she told their journey.