DWTS Alum Reveals Why He Got Married

Rapper and “Dancing with the Stars” alum Nelly opened up about why he and longtime love Ashanti decided to get married shortly after learning they were expecting their first child. The couple kept both their pregnancy and marriage mostly private. They first revealed they were expecting their first child in April 2024, followed by confirmation of their marriage later that year. Ashanti and Nelly welcomed their first child together over the summer of 2024.

Speaking on “The Bootleg Kev Podcast”, the St. Louis rapper shared that although they hadn’t initially discussed marriage when Ashanti became pregnant, he knew it was the right decision for their future. “I was like, ‘Yo, let’s just knock this out because we’re going to be doing so much, and everything’s moving so fast,’” Nelly said. “I didn’t want her to be a baby mama because we already knew where we were in life. If we’re back like this, this must be what it’s supposed to be” US Weekly reported.

Their relationship, which first began in the early 2000s, has come full circle—now as a married couple raising a child together.

From the Ballroom to Big Life Changes

Nelly appeared on Season 29 of “Dancing with the Stars” in 2020, where he was paired with pro dancer Daniella Karagach. The rapper became a fan-favorite and made it all the way to the finals, ultimately finishing in third place. Known for his smooth moves and signature sneakers on the dance floor, Nelly showed audiences a new side of himself beyond the music industry.

Now years later, he’s stepping into new roles offstage—as a husband and father—while still showing love for his longtime partner. The couple most recently made headlines again at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards when Ashanti surprised Nelly onstage and presented him with an award in an emotional moment.

A Full-Circle Relationship Story

Nelly and Ashanti’s relationship dates back to the early 2000s. The two were one of the most talked-about celebrity couples of their time before quietly splitting in 2013. A decade later, the pair reconciled in 2023 and have since embraced their second chance.

In a Philo TV’s “Boss Moves with Rasheeda” interview, Nelly reflected on their reunion: “Yeah, we cool again. I think it surprised both of us. It wasn’t anything that was planned. But sometimes being separate, you understand one another more.”

Now married and raising their first child together, Nelly and Ashanti have embraced their new chapter as parents and partners.