Ashanti is smitten with her boyfriend, rapper Nelly, and of course, she is displaying their rekindled love in the cutest way possible.
Both stars attended the 2023 MTV VMAs on Tuesday night. While the “Happy” singer walked the “pink” carpet alone, Nelly was definitely there in spirit. Ashanti proudly rocked a green satin clutch customized with an image of her and the St. Louis rapper.
Soon after, the Grammy winner shared the adorable story behind the photo through her Instagram Story.
“So… in this pic, we exchanged numbers at the VMAs in 2003…20 years ago, lol,” the post’s caption read.
Ashanti and Nelly were both nominated for multiple VMAs that night 20 years ago, even in the same category for best R&B video.
Nelly took the stage at the VMAs pre-show this year with NLE Choppa as the young rapper performed his latest single, “It’s Getting Hot,” which clearly references Nelly’s iconic “Hot in Herre” hit from 2002.
Nelly and Ashanti were one of the hottest couples in the early 2000s until their breakup in 2013. This year, fans speculated they had reunited after they were seen together on multiple occasions. Then, in August, the two turned up the rumor mill with a performance of their 2008 song “Body On Me.” Their playful flirting on stage gave the Oakland crowd some much-needed nostalgia.
Nelly recently confirmed his relationship with the 42-year-old songstress during a recent interview with Love & Hip Hop star Kirk & Rasheeda Frost as a guest on her Boss Moves podcast.
“We cool again. I think it surprised both of us, though. It wasn’t anything that was, like, I don’t think planned. I think we both was pretty much doing what we do,” he said. “But sometimes being separate, you understand one another more.”
“We’re in a great space, everything is positive, we’re having a lot of fun,” Ashanti said to People about their rekindled romance while rocking the red carpet last night.
We love to see it!
@people Now THAT’s a fashion statement! #Ashanti and #Nelly have officially reconciled … and might be headed back to the studio?! ❤️ #VMAs #VMAs2023 #Relationships #CelebrityCouples #Music #RedCarpet #MTV
