Unveiling the Truth About Nelly’s Kids: A Family Story You Didn’t Know

Nelly’s first child, Chanel, affectionately known as Nana, was born in 1994.

Growing up in the shadow of her famous father, Chanel has carved out her own path, especially in music.

In July 2020, she released her first single under the stage name Chanel Valentine, pursuing a career that echoes her dad’s musical legacy.

Despite her artistic ambitions, Chanel also earned a business degree from Columbia College in Chicago, showing her diverse interests.

On her 27th birthday, Nelly shared a heartfelt throwback photo with Chanel on Instagram, calling her his “mini me.”

This touching moment highlighted their close bond.

What many might not realize is that Chanel is a mother herself—she has a child named Ace, making Nelly a grandfather, even as he prepares for his first child with Ashanti.

The layers of family extend further than most fans expected.

Nelly’s second child, a son named Cornell III or Trey, was born in 1999.

Like his father, Trey showed athletic promise as a high school football player but later shifted his focus to other ambitions.

Today, Trey is a producer with a significant social media following, though he keeps much of his personal life private.

Reports suggest he has amassed a net worth of around $5 million, a remarkable achievement for someone so young.

In interviews, Nelly has spoken openly about his relationship with Trey, emphasizing their close friendship and shared interests.

He once said they could be “just buddies,” even joking about wearing the same shoes.

Nelly’s approach to parenting is laid-back yet supportive—he believes in letting his children make their own mistakes while being there as a guide.

While Nelly’s two children have different mothers, the identities of these women remain largely undisclosed to the public.

Aside from Ashanti, Nelly has been romantically linked to several well-known women, including Eve, Lati, Heckard, Ken Stefins, and Kelly Roland.

However, the woman who played the most significant role in his children’s lives was Chantel Jackson, who dated Nelly for about seven years before their breakup in 2021.

Chantel’s relationship with Nelly followed her split from boxing legend Floyd Mayweather amid swirling rumors of infidelity—rumors that involved both parties but were never confirmed.

Despite never marrying, Chantel and Nelly’s bond was serious, with social media posts hinting at a deep connection.

Chantel even appeared on Nelly’s reality show, “Nellyville,” giving fans a glimpse of their family life.

“Nellyville,” which aired from 2014 to 2015, showcased the rapper’s life as a father.

It wasn’t only Chanel and Trey featured on the show; Nelly also adopted his niece and nephew, Sydney and Lil Shawn, following a tragic family loss.

In 2005, after the passing of his sister Jackie Donahue due to leukemia, Nelly stepped up to become a father figure to her children, expanding his family to four kids.

Jackie’s battle with leukemia was a heartbreaking chapter.

Diagnosed in 2011 and after a period of remission, she relapsed and passed away, leaving Nelly to care for her children.

Jackie had been close to Nelly, even working as his stylist, making her loss deeply personal.

Since then, Nelly has mostly raised his four children as a single parent, with Chantel providing support during their relationship.

His adopted children have also pursued their own dreams: Sydney once expressed aspirations to become a model, while Lil Shawn, also known as Tab, explores creative pursuits like art, video game streaming, and YouTube tutorials.

Both Sydney and Chanel have become parents themselves, adding to Nelly’s growing family of grandchildren.

Sydney’s son, Cross Capone Wimbley, celebrated his second birthday recently, while Lil Shawn’s daughter, Mahalia Shine, was born in 2020.

With so many grandchildren, Nelly’s role as a grandfather is already in full swing.

Despite the complexity of his family life, Nelly seems to embrace fatherhood wholeheartedly.

His reunion with Ashanti earlier this year brought fresh happiness, with the couple celebrating milestones such as Nelly’s birthday, when Ashanti gifted him a customized convertible Chevrolet Impala—a dream car for the rapper.

Though Nelly’s children have known Ashanti for years, their relationship with her remains private.

Now that Ashanti is pregnant with their child, fans are hopeful this new chapter will bring unity and joy to the blended family.

Nelly’s story is a testament to the challenges and rewards of balancing fame, fatherhood, and personal growth.

From being a young dad to becoming a grandfather, and now preparing for another child, his journey reveals a man committed to his family despite the pressures of celebrity life.

What do you think of Nelly’s expanding family?

Were you surprised to learn he’s already a grandfather?

And how do you feel about the upcoming addition with Ashanti?

Share your thoughts below as this remarkable family story continues to unfold.