Ashanti’s father, Ken-Kaide Thomas Douglas, recalled a conversation he had with Nelly ahead of their engagement.
In a now viral video, Douglas recalls the interaction, “We had a discussion about him wanting to marry her. We had a little brief conversation,” Ashanti’s dad recalled. “For me, it’s very special for a man in this era to ask for someone’s hand [in marriage], especially your daughter’s. I was very impressed with the fact that you asked.”
He continued: “I’m glad things worked out for you. God’s way will always happen best.”
Ashanti previously announced that she and Nelly were expecting their first child together. “This new year of my life is such a blessing full of love, hope, and anticipation,” she said at the time. “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.”
“Never in a million years did I think we would be here,” Ashanti said in a different interview. “Ten years ago — maybe yes — but after our breakup, you know, I didn’t even think we’d ever have a conversation again. I guess when you go through a breakup, for me personally, I kind of just shut that person out. It’s kinda like, OK, that chapter is closed and you just move on, you know, and there’s nothing there.”
Ashanti explained that Nelly proposed while they were watching TV in bed. She was wearing his T-shirt and boxers at the time. “I cried, I gave him the biggest hug and kiss ever,” she recalled. “I FaceTimed everyone I know- I was overjoyed and shocked and surprised and happy, kind of like all in one.” She also mentioned that their relationship is stronger than ever. “I think just we both are so passionate about working and about building family,” she said. “We are so, so aligned.”