CNN —Congratulations are in order for singer Ashanti and rapper Nelly. “This new year of my life is such a blessing full of love, hope, and anticipation,” Ashanti, 43, said in a statement to the publication. Ashanti attended the MTV VMA Awards around that time, where Nelly was a scheduled performer. She carried a clutch with a photo of her and Nelly from when they attended the awards ceremony together back in 2003. It wasn’t anything that was planned.”CNN has reached out to representatives for Nelly for additional comment.

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Persons: Ashanti, Nelly, ” Ashanti, she’s, Tina Y, Douglas, gasps, Baby Haynes, ”, Cornell Iral Haynes Jr, “, Rasheeda, Kirk Frost, Rasheeda ”, ” Nelly Organizations: CNN, ”, Cornell, MTV, Hop Atlanta