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".
November 2, 1974: Nelly's Birth
On November 2, 1974, Cornell Iral Haynes Jr., known as Nelly, was born in Austin, Texas.
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1995: St. Louis Rams Tenure
From 1995, Nelly was a fan of the St. Louis Rams during their tenure in St. Louis.
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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.
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2003: Started dating Ashanti
In 2003, Nelly started dating singer Ashanti after meeting at the 2003 Grammy Awards.
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March 2005: Jackie Donahue death
Jackie Donahue death due to cancer complications
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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.
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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.
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2006: Started White and Black Ball
In 2006, Nelly began hosting a "White and Black Ball" in St. Louis to raise funds for scholarships.
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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.
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2010: Endorsed Tackle Hunger campaign
In 2010, Nelly endorsed Do Something's Tackle Hunger campaign, challenging teens to collect one million pounds of food.
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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.
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2013: Ended relationship with Ashanti
In 2013, Nelly and singer Ashanti ended their relationship after dating since 2003.
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2015: St. Louis Rams Tenure
To 2015, Nelly was a fan of the St. Louis Rams during their tenure in St. Louis.
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2016: Supported Rams Relocation
In 2016, Nelly expressed his support for the St. Louis Rams following their relocation to Los Angeles.
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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.
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2022: Attended Rams Super Bowl LVI Appearance
In 2022, Nelly attended the Los Angeles Rams' appearance at Super Bowl LVI.
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December 2023: Reported to be Expecting First Child and Married
In December 2023, it was reported that Nelly and Ashanti were expecting their first child together and had married on the 27th.
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April 2024: Confirmed Pregnancy and Engagement
In April 2024, Ashanti confirmed her pregnancy and the couple's engagement in Essence magazine.
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July 18, 2024: Welcomed First Child
On July 18, 2024, Nelly and Ashanti welcomed their first child together.
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