📅 Birth Year: 1976 (estimated)
🎂 Current Age: 49 years old (as of 2025)
👨👩👧👦 Children: 2 (Chanelle Haynes, 31; Cornell Haynes III, 26)
💼 Profession: Travel Nurse
📍 Location: St. Louis, Missouri
📱 Instagram: @cvaljack
📏 Height: 5'5" (165 cm)
💕 Past Relationship: Nelly (1990-1999)
🏥 Current Focus: Healthcare delivery across various locations
The Woman Behind the Headlines
You might know her name from entertainment headlines, but Channetta Valentine has always been so much more than just 'Nelly's ex-girlfriend.' She's a dedicated healthcare professional who has spent years serving communities as a travel nurse, moving from place to place to provide essential medical care where it's needed most.
What makes Channetta's story truly inspiring? It's her ability to maintain her independence and build a meaningful career while co-parenting two successful adult children. She's proven that you don't need to live in the spotlight to make a real difference in people's lives.
A Love Story That Shaped Two Lives
Let's rewind to 1990, when Channetta was just 14 years old and began what would become a nearly decade-long relationship with Cornell Haynes Jr., better known to the world as Nelly. Their love story started long before Nelly became a household name, back when he was just a young man from St. Louis with big dreams.
Their relationship lasted from September 1990 to June 1999 - almost nine years of growing up together. During this time, they welcomed two beautiful children who would become the center of their world. Can you imagine navigating young love while watching your partner transform into a global superstar?
Building a Family Together
In 1994, when Channetta was just 18, she became a mother for the first time when daughter Chanelle was born on February 27. Five years later, on March 2, 1999, their son Cornell Haynes III, affectionately known as 'Tre,' joined the family.
These weren't just celebrity kids - they were Channetta's world. As we discussed, raising children while your partner's career skyrockets isn't easy, but Channetta managed to provide stability and love during those formative years.
The End of an Era and New Beginnings
By June 1999, just months after Tre's birth, Channetta and Nelly's romantic relationship came to an end. This timing wasn't coincidental - it happened right before Nelly's career exploded with his debut album 'Country Grammar' in 2000, which would sell over 8.4 million copies.
You have to admire Channetta's strength during this period. While her ex-boyfriend was becoming one of the biggest names in hip-hop, she focused on what mattered most: raising their children and building her own future.
A Passion for Healing: Channetta's Nursing Career
After her relationship with Nelly ended, Channetta didn't retreat from life - she stepped forward into a career that would touch countless lives. She pursued nursing, eventually specializing as a travel nurse.
What exactly does a travel nurse do? These healthcare heroes move from hospital to hospital, filling critical staffing gaps and bringing their expertise wherever it's needed most. It's demanding work that requires adaptability, compassion, and incredible skill.
Travel nursing became especially vital during the COVID-19 pandemic, when healthcare workers like Channetta stepped up to serve on the front lines. These professionals often leave their families for weeks or months at a time to help communities in crisis. Moreover, travel nurses must quickly adapt to new environments, different protocols, and diverse patient populations - it's not a job for everyone, but it's perfect for someone with Channetta's resilient spirit.
Motherhood: Her Greatest Achievement
While Channetta built her nursing career, her most important role remained being a mother to Chanelle and Cornell III. Both children have grown into accomplished adults who make their parents proud.
Chanelle, now 31, has followed in her father's musical footsteps to some degree, working as a writer for Nelly's record label, Derrty Entertainment. She's also a mother herself, making Channetta a grandmother. Keep reading to learn more about what happened with Cornell III!
Cornell III, nicknamed 'Tre,' is now 26 and has shown interest in both sports and music. He played varsity football at Christian Brothers College High School and maintains a close relationship with both his parents.
Staying Strong in the Spotlight
You've probably noticed that Channetta has managed to maintain her privacy despite her connection to a major celebrity. This isn't by accident - it's a deliberate choice that shows incredible strength and wisdom.
Unlike many who might seek fame through association, Channetta has consistently chosen to focus on her own path. Her Instagram account (@cvaljack) reflects this approach, showing glimpses of her life as a proud mother and healthcare professional without seeking attention.
As we discussed, this level of privacy protection is especially admirable given the intense media scrutiny that often surrounds celebrity relationships and families.
The Travel Nursing Life
Working as a travel nurse means Channetta's life is anything but ordinary. She might spend 13 weeks in one state, then move to another assignment across the country. This lifestyle requires incredible adaptability and independence - qualities that Channetta has clearly mastered.
The travel nursing profession has seen tremendous growth, especially since the pandemic, with hospitals nationwide needing skilled nurses to fill temporary positions. These professionals often earn higher wages than staff nurses and gain invaluable experience working in different healthcare systems.
Can you imagine the stories Channetta must have from her various assignments? From bustling city hospitals to rural clinics, travel nurses see it all and make a difference everywhere they go.
A Legacy of Independence and Service
What truly sets Channetta apart is how she's built a life of purpose and meaning entirely on her own terms. She didn't let her past relationship define her future, nor did she seek to capitalize on her connection to fame.
Instead, she chose a profession dedicated to healing and helping others. Every day, she uses her skills to comfort patients, support families, and make healthcare systems run more smoothly. That's a legacy that touches many hearts and makes a real difference in the world.
Moreover, she's raised two children who respect both their parents and understand the value of hard work and independence. This speaks volumes about her character and parenting skills.
Where She Stands Today
At 49, Channetta continues to thrive in her nursing career while enjoying her role as a grandmother. She's proven that you can have a past connection to fame without letting it overshadow your own accomplishments and goals.
Her story is truly inspiring because it shows that success isn't just about headlines or red carpets - it's about building a life of service, raising great kids, and staying true to yourself no matter what challenges come your way.
We hope you find this article helpful in understanding the remarkable woman behind the headlines. Channetta Valentine represents the best of what it means to be independent, caring, and resilient in the face of life's challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How old is Channetta Valentine?
A: Channetta Valentine is approximately 49 years old as of 2025, having been born around 1976.
Q: How long did Channetta Valentine and Nelly date?
A: Channetta and Nelly dated for nearly nine years, from September 1990 to June 1999.
Q: How many children does Channetta Valentine have with Nelly?
A: Channetta has two children with Nelly: daughter Chanelle Haynes (born February 27, 1994) and son Cornell Haynes III (born March 2, 1999).
Q: What is Channetta Valentine's profession?
A: Channetta works as a travel nurse, providing healthcare services at various hospitals and medical facilities across different locations.
Q: Does Channetta Valentine have social media?
A: Yes, Channetta maintains an Instagram account under the handle @cvaljack, where she shares glimpses of her life as a mother and healthcare professional.
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