Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes Call It Quits After Two Years
Country music star Kelsea Ballerini and actor Chase Stokes have ended their relationship after over two years, as confirmed by Ballerini's representative to Us Weekly.
Though neither celebrity has publicly commented on the separation, Stokes, aged 32, had recently marked Ballerini's 32nd birthday.
"Despite your repeated claims of not being thrilled for 32, I anticipate much more of these moments," he posted on Instagram on Friday, September 12. "Happy birthday, my dearest."
Ballerini quietly endorsed the post, which included a collection of images, by "liking" it.
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The musical artist and the Outer Banks actor were initially rumored to be dating in January 2023. Ballerini publicly acknowledged their relationship a month thereafter, disclosing that she initiated contact by messaging Stokes directly.
“[My manager] suggested, ‘You know who’s quite charming, when you’re prepared? Chase.’ I responded, ‘You’re absolutely correct,’” she recounted during an interview on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast in February 2023. “His Instagram name is ‘@hichasestokes,’ and my message simply read, ‘Hello, Chase Stokes.’”
By October 2024, Stokes elaborated on the core of his bond with Ballerini, stating on the Today show, “I genuinely believe that when you discover someone who is not merely a person you deeply love and admire, but also your closest friend, you truly possess an ideal situation.”
Earlier in the current year, Ballerini and Stokes commemorated their second anniversary with affectionate Instagram tributes.
“Two years of finding each other across numerous cities, mastering a chimichurri steak recipe, and building a life centered on our dogs,” she shared on Instagram in January. “So much love for you, my partner.”
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Stokes, in his corresponding social media update, wrote, “Two rotations around the sun with you, I love you kb (especially your wheezing laughter and your 8 a.m. toothbrush dance sessions).”
During an April conversation with People magazine, Ballerini disclosed that she and Stokes enhanced their bond through joint therapy sessions.
“My perspective on love is now very pragmatic, and surprisingly, it’s my preferred iteration,” she clarified. “The love I’ve discovered is now constant and authentic; we actively cultivate it. To me, frankly, that’s the most appealing aspect – the willingness to say, ‘Shall we attend therapy? Let’s do it.’ Being so committed to your partner to invest effort both together and individually, it represents a distinctly novel form of affection for me.”
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Three months subsequent to that, Ballerini exclusively discussed with Us Weekly how her connection with Stokes had evolved.
“Indeed, you do [challenge one another], otherwise it becomes dull, leading to stagnation and eventual failure,” she commented in July. “Given that we’re two and a half years into it, I believe the relationship appears considerably different now compared to its initial stages.”
She further stated, “I’m not sure, but I feel we share many similarities — and our differences are precisely where we push each other. … My sole desire is for him to experience all the finest things in life.”
Before their two-year romantic involvement, both individuals had notable relationships with other public figures. Ballerini was wed to fellow country artist Morgan Evans between 2017 and 2022, whereas Stokes was romantically linked to his Outer Banks castmate Madelyn Cline from 2020 to 2021.
