Childhood and Education Journey of Nelly in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 22, 2025

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Nelly. A timeline of key moments.

Cornell Iral Haynes Jr., known as Nelly, is an American rapper, singer, and actor from St. Louis, Missouri. He began his music career in 1993 with the hip hop group St. Lunatics. In 1999, he signed with Universal Records as a solo artist. His debut album, Country Grammar (2000), achieved diamond certification and featured hits like "Country Grammar" and "Ride wit Me." His second album, Nellyville (2002), produced number-one singles "Hot in Herre" and "Dilemma," along with the top-five single, "Air Force Ones".

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

November 2, 1974: Nelly's Birth

On November 2, 1974, Cornell Iral Haynes Jr., known as Nelly, was born in Austin, Texas.

Others born on this day/year

1995: St. Louis Rams Tenure

From 1995, Nelly was a fan of the St. Louis Rams during their tenure in St. Louis.

March 2003: Began the Jes Us 4 Jackie Campaign

In March 2003, Nelly and his sister, Jackie Donahue, started the "Jes Us 4 Jackie" campaign to raise awareness for bone marrow transplants after Donahue was diagnosed with leukemia.

2003: Started dating Ashanti

In 2003, Nelly started dating singer Ashanti after meeting at the 2003 Grammy Awards.

March 2005: Jackie Donahue death

Jackie Donahue death due to cancer complications

March 24, 2005: Donahue died of leukemia

On March 24, 2005, Jackie Donahue died of leukemia, almost two years after the "Jes Us 4 Jackie" campaign began.

March 25, 2005: Stepsister Jaqueline Donahue died of leukemia

On March 25, 2005, Nelly's stepsister, Jaqueline Donahue, passed away due to leukemia. She is survived by her two adopted children.

2006: Started White and Black Ball

In 2006, Nelly began hosting a "White and Black Ball" in St. Louis to raise funds for scholarships.

April 2010: Death of Nelly's Cousin

In April 2010, Nelly's cousin, Michael Johnson, was murdered in Missouri, leading to a delay in his album release.

2010: Endorsed Tackle Hunger campaign

In 2010, Nelly endorsed Do Something's Tackle Hunger campaign, challenging teens to collect one million pounds of food.

2011: Founded Ex'treme Institute By Nelly

In 2011, Nelly and Vatterott College worked together to found the Ex'treme Institute By Nelly, a music production school in St. Louis.

2013: Ended relationship with Ashanti

In 2013, Nelly and singer Ashanti ended their relationship after dating since 2003.

2015: St. Louis Rams Tenure

To 2015, Nelly was a fan of the St. Louis Rams during their tenure in St. Louis.

2016: Supported Rams Relocation

In 2016, Nelly expressed his support for the St. Louis Rams following their relocation to Los Angeles.

November 2022: Chingy claimed Nelly's sister Jackie wanted them to end their feud

During an interview in November 2022, Chingy alleged Nelly's sister Jackie had also approached him at an airport, diligent for both to resolve the feud prior to her death due to cancer complications in March 2005.