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Nelly's Five Kids: Everything To Know About Chanelle, Cornell, Shawn, Sydney, And Baby Kareem Kenkaide

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Nelly, the Grammy-winning rapper and business mogul, has built a diverse and deeply connected family that extends far beyond his own biological children. As of December 2025, the "Hot in Herre" and "Dilemma" artist is a proud father to five children, a number that recently grew with the highly publicized birth of his son with wife, the R&B star Ashanti. This newest chapter in his life, coupled with the adult lives of his four older children, has brought a fresh wave of public interest in the Haynes family dynasty. The story of Nelly's children is one of love, adoption, and a commitment to family that began in his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri. From his eldest daughter's career as an influencer to his youngest son's first steps, the rapper’s role as a dedicated father—both biological and adoptive—is a cornerstone of his personal legacy. The most recent and exciting news is the arrival of his fifth child, Kareem Kenkaide, who Nelly recently shared is already "walking and terrorizing" the house, a joyous update from his life with Ashanti.

The Complete Biography of Nelly's Five Children (2025 Update)

Nelly, whose full name is Cornell Iral Haynes Jr., has an intricate family structure, featuring two biological children from a previous relationship, two adopted children (his late sister's kids), and one child with his wife, Ashanti.
  • Full Name: Cornell Iral Haynes Jr. (Nelly)
  • Wife: Ashanti (married 2024)
  • Total Children: 5

1. Chanelle "Nana" Haynes (Eldest Daughter)

Chanelle Haynes is Nelly's eldest child and daughter, born from his relationship with ex-girlfriend Chanetta Valentine.

  • Date of Birth: February 27, 1994
  • Age (as of Dec 2025): 31 years old
  • Mother: Chanetta Valentine
  • Career/Public Life: Chanelle has established herself as a social media influencer. She has appeared at various public events alongside her father, maintaining a visible presence in the public eye.
  • Key Detail: She is often affectionately referred to by her nickname, "Nana."

2. Shawn "Lil Shawn" Thomas Jr. (Adopted Son)

Shawn Thomas Jr. is Nelly's adopted son, the child of his late sister, Jackie Donahue. Nelly adopted Shawn and his sister Sydney in 2005 after Jackie tragically succumbed to leukemia.

  • Date of Birth: February 28, 1998
  • Age (as of Dec 2025): 27 years old
  • Biological Mother: Jackie Donahue (Nelly's late sister)
  • Career/Public Life: Shawn is known on social media as "Lil Shxwn." He was a prominent figure on the family's reality television show, *Nellyville*.
  • Key Detail: Nelly adopted Shawn at the age of 8, raising him as his own and often crediting both Shawn and Sydney for helping him grow as a man.

3. Cornell Iral Haynes III ("Tre") (Eldest Son)

Cornell Iral Haynes III, known as "Tre," is Nelly's eldest biological son, also from his relationship with Chanetta Valentine. He shares his full name with his father and grandfather.

  • Date of Birth: March 2, 1999
  • Age (as of Dec 2025): 26 years old
  • Mother: Chanetta Valentine
  • Career/Public Life: Tre is a sports enthusiast, having played varsity football in high school. He gained public recognition through his appearances on the family reality series *Nellyville*.
  • Key Detail: He is often referred to by his nickname "Tre," a common moniker for the third person in a lineage.

4. Sydney Thomas (Adopted Daughter)

Sydney Thomas is Nelly's adopted daughter, the sister of Shawn, and the other child of his late sister, Jackie Donahue.

  • Date of Birth: November 26 (Birth Year approx. 2003)
  • Age (as of Dec 2025): Approximately 22 years old
  • Biological Mother: Jackie Donahue (Nelly's late sister)
  • Career/Public Life: Sydney is known for her college adventures and relatable personality, which she shares with her followers. She also starred in the family's reality show, *Nellyville*.
  • Key Detail: She was adopted along with her brother in 2005, a pivotal moment that solidified Nelly's role as a committed, multi-faceted father.

5. Kareem Kenkaide "KK" Haynes (Youngest Son)

Kareem Kenkaide Haynes, affectionately called "KK," is the newest addition to the Haynes family, born to Nelly and his wife, R&B star Ashanti. This marks Ashanti's first child, while Nelly is an experienced father of five.

  • Date of Birth: Mid-2024 (June/July 2024)
  • Age (as of Dec 2025): Approximately 1.5 years old
  • Mother: Ashanti (Wife)
  • Career/Public Life: Too young for a career, but he is the focus of recent celebrity news.
  • Key Detail: Nelly recently shared that little KK is already "walking and terrorizing" the house, a sign of a healthy, active toddler.

The Blended Family: Adoption, Reality TV, and the Legacy of Jackie Donahue

Nelly’s family life is a powerful testament to the meaning of commitment and unconditional love. The most profound example of this is the adoption of his niece, Sydney Thomas, and nephew, Shawn Thomas, after his sister, Jackie Donahue, lost her battle with leukemia in March 2005. This tragic event prompted Nelly to immediately take on the role of a full-time father to his sister's children, ensuring they remained in a loving, stable environment. He has often spoken about this experience, noting that raising his nephew and niece helped him mature into the man and father he is today.

The entire family—Chanelle, Cornell, Shawn, and Sydney—provided a candid look into their lives on the BET reality show, *Nellyville*. The series, which aired for two seasons, showcased Nelly's struggles with balancing his demanding music career and his responsibilities as a single father to four children. It highlighted the close bond between the siblings and their father, giving fans an intimate view of the challenges and joys of their blended family. This platform not only boosted the children's public profiles but also solidified Nelly's image as a dedicated family man, a stark contrast to the typical rapper persona.

From Chanetta Valentine to Ashanti: The Mothers of Nelly's Children

Nelly's journey through fatherhood involves two significant women who are the mothers of his biological children: Chanetta Valentine and his current wife, Ashanti. The dynamics of these relationships, though private, have shaped the lives of his kids.

Chanetta Valentine: The Mother of Chanelle and Tre

Chanetta Valentine is the mother of Nelly's two oldest biological children, Chanelle Haynes and Cornell Iral Haynes III. Their relationship concluded in 1999, shortly after the birth of their son. Chanetta has made a conscious decision to remain out of the public spotlight following the end of their relationship. Unlike many celebrity ex-partners, she has maintained a low profile, with very little information available about her current life, choosing to prioritize her privacy away from the celebrity world.

Ashanti: The Wife and Mother of Kareem Kenkaide

Nelly and Ashanti's rekindled romance culminated in their marriage and the birth of their son, Kareem Kenkaide "KK" Haynes, in mid-2024. The couple's relationship is a major storyline in current celebrity news, with the arrival of their baby boy being a widely celebrated event. Ashanti, a legendary R&B singer herself, has embraced motherhood, and the couple frequently shares sweet glimpses of their life with their young son. Their union and the birth of KK mark a new, exciting chapter for Nelly, who is embracing fatherhood again in his 50s.

The Next Generation: Careers and Aspirations

As Nelly's children have grown up, they have begun to forge their own paths, leveraging the platform and legacy their father established. This new generation of the Haynes family is making moves in various fields:

  • Influencer & Media Personality: Chanelle Haynes, the eldest, has focused on building her brand as an influencer. Her public presence allows her to connect directly with fans and build a career in digital media.
  • Sports and Entertainment: Cornell Iral Haynes III (Tre) has a strong background in sports, particularly varsity football, and his appearances on *Nellyville* have given him a foundation in the entertainment world.
  • Social Media & College Life: Sydney Thomas, with her upbeat personality, has made a name for herself on social media while navigating her college adventures. Shawn Thomas Jr., or "Lil Shxwn," is also active on platforms like Instagram, building his own digital identity.

The journey of Nelly's five children—Chanelle, Shawn, Cornell, Sydney, and Kareem Kenkaide—is a captivating narrative of a modern celebrity family. It highlights the dedication of a father who stepped up for his sister's children, maintained a strong connection with his older biological children, and is now celebrating a new beginning with his wife, Ashanti. The Haynes family remains a powerful entity in the world of music and entertainment, with the newest generation poised to carry on the legacy.

Nelly's Five Kids: Everything to Know About Chanelle, Cornell, Shawn, Sydney, and Baby Kareem Kenkaide
nellys kids
nellys kids

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