Who Is Channetta Valentine? Meet Nelly’s Ex and Mother of His Kids

When people think of Nelly, they remember his big hits like Hot in Herre and Dilemma. But long before the fame, there was someone important in his life — Channetta Valentine. She isn’t a singer or an actress. She isn’t on TV. But she is the woman who stood beside Nelly during his early years and is the mother of his first two children.

Even though Channetta Valentine has such a close link to a world-famous rapper, she lives a quiet and private life. Fans often wonder: who is she, what is her story, and where is she now? In this article, we’ll look at her life, her time with Nelly, their children, and how she lives today.

Channetta Valentine Quick Bio

How Channetta Valentine Met Nelly

It’s always interesting to know how famous people met their first loves. Channetta Valentine met Nelly in the early 1990s. Back then, Nelly was just a young man from St. Louis, Missouri. He wasn’t famous yet. He was working on his dreams, playing with his group, and trying to figure out his life after his parents’ divorce.

They started dating in September 1990. At that time, life was simple for both of them. They were young, and their relationship grew naturally over time. Imagine watching someone you love go from a regular person to a world-famous star — that’s the kind of journey Channetta experienced with Nelly.

Channetta and Nelly’s Relationship Timeline

Channetta Valentine and Nelly’s relationship lasted almost ten years — from September 1990 to June 1999. That is a long time for any couple, especially before fame and success. Their story shows that Nelly didn’t rise to stardom overnight. He had years of hard work and a normal life first.

Their relationship ended in June 1999, right before Nelly’s big break with his 2000 album Country Grammar. While Nelly stepped into the spotlight, Channetta chose to keep her life quiet. This decision is part of what makes her story unique. She didn’t run to the media or try to become famous herself.

Was Channetta Valentine Nelly’s First Wife?

A lot of people think Channetta Valentine was Nelly’s first wife because they were together for so long. But the truth is they were never married. They were in a long-term relationship, but they didn’t walk down the aisle.

This confusion is common because of how close they were and the fact that they share two children. Over the years, Nelly has been linked to other women, but his actual marriage happened much later — he married Ashanti privately in 2023.

How Many Kids Does Channetta Valentine Have?

Channetta Valentine is the proud mother of two children with Nelly. Her first child, Chanelle Haynes, was born on February 27, 1994, in New Orleans. Her second child, Cornell Haynes III, was born on March 2, 1999. Both children grew up mainly in St. Louis.

Even though Nelly became a superstar, Channetta focused on raising her kids and keeping family life normal. Today, she is also a grandmother because her daughter Chanelle has a son named Ace. This shows how her quiet support built a strong family base for her children.

Meet Chanelle Haynes – Channetta’s Daughter with Nelly

Chanelle Haynes, also known as Nana, is the first child of Channetta Valentine and Nelly. She was born on February 27, 1994, in New Orleans. Growing up as the daughter of a famous rapper wasn’t always easy, but Chanelle has made her own way in life.

She studied business at Columbia College in Chicago but later followed her dad’s path and moved into music. She has released songs and works as a writer for Derrty Entertainment, Nelly’s record label. Chanelle also became a mom herself — she has a son named Ace, making Channetta a proud grandmother.

Get to Know Cornell Haynes III – Channetta’s Son

Cornell Haynes III, also known as Tre, is the second child of Channetta Valentine and Nelly. He was born on March 2, 1999, just one year before Nelly became a household name. Tre was raised in St. Louis and had a more private childhood.

In his younger years, Tre was very active in high school football and even considered sports as a career path. He also appeared on the reality show “Nellyville”, giving fans a small glimpse into his life. Today, he stays out of the spotlight but is still close to his family.

Channetta Valentine’s Life After Nelly

After her relationship with Nelly ended in 1999, Channetta Valentine chose a different path than most celebrity exes. Instead of chasing fame, she focused on her career and raising her kids. That choice made her stand out.

She reportedly works as a travel nurse, which means she helps patients in different cities or states, depending on where she’s needed. This kind of job shows her strong, caring nature. While Nelly was building a music empire, Channetta was building a quiet, steady life.

Where Is Channetta Valentine Now?

As of 2025, Channetta Valentine continues to live a peaceful and private life. She is active on Instagram under the name @cvaljack, but her posts are mostly about her family, not fame. You can find pictures of her with her children and grandson — but never anything flashy.

She has never spoken publicly about her relationship with Nelly or tried to get attention from the media. That’s rare in today’s world and something many people respect. While others might run to the spotlight, Channetta walks quietly, with grace.

Nelly’s Family Today

Nelly’s family has grown over the years. With Channetta Valentine, he has two children — Chanelle and Cornell III. He later adopted his niece and nephew, Shawn and Sydney Thomas, after his sister passed away from leukemia in 2005.

In 2024, Nelly had another child, Kareem Kenkaide Haynes, with his new wife, Ashanti. That brings the total to five children. Even though Channetta is not in the public eye, she played a very important role in shaping Nelly’s first family.

Why Fans Respect Channetta Valentine’s Privacy

Not many people stay out of the spotlight after dating a celebrity. But Channetta Valentine never used Nelly’s fame for herself. She never sold stories, gave interviews, or tried to appear on TV. That’s something fans notice and respect.

She focused on her children, helped raise a strong family, and built her own career. That’s not just quiet strength — that’s real strength. In a world where attention often comes first, Channetta chose peace.

Final Thoughts

Channetta Valentine may not be a public figure, but her story is meaningful. She was there for Nelly before the fame. She raised two amazing children. She built a career in healthcare. And through it all, she stayed grounded.

She reminds us that you don’t need the spotlight to make a difference. Sometimes, the strongest stories are the quietest ones. And Channetta’s story — full of love, strength, and grace — is one of them.