Ashanti and Nelly Rekindled Their Y2K Romance With a Ring

Sometimes the love of your life is an ex. That seems to be the case for Ashanti and Nelly.

On Wednesday, Ashanti, 43, announced her pregnancy in an Instagram video with Essence magazine.

Some online users expressed their disapproval of the R&B star having a baby with Nelly, 49, without a ring on her finger (though certainly not uncommon among celebrities).

A few hours later, Essence broke the news that Ashanti, a Grammy-winning vocalist who has released six studio albums and sold millions of records, is engaged to the multiplatinum St. Louis rapper in a double surprise that led their fans to rejoice. No wedding date was announced.

“This new year of my life is such a blessing full of love, hope, and anticipation,” Ashanti said in a statement to Essence. “Motherhood is something that I have looked forward to, and sharing this with my family, fiancé, and loyal fans, who have been so supportive of my career, is an amazing experience.”

“For all those people who were saying he got her pregnant without a ring … I hope you see the word FIANCÉ in that statement!!!” one user commented on Instagram.

The announcement also drew comments about getting back with an ex: “This is a block spin I can STAND FORRRRRR” another user wrote.