Kelsea Ballerini's 2026 Resolution: More Affectionate Gestures with Chase Stokes
Kelsea Ballerini has several things she’s anticipating in 2026 — notably, a lot of public displays of affection.
“2026 GOING FORWARD,” Ballerini, 32, began a detailed list via Instagram on Sunday, January 4, which included decluttering, “bringing dogs everywhere,” practicing Pilates, composing “handwritten thank you’s and positive notes” and hosting karaoke nights, along with red light therapy and “holding back some things for herself.”
Among Ballerini’s aspirations for the new year also includes “affectionate gestures😘,” “utilizing the law of attraction to manifest positive outcomes” and ensuring she checks in on “friends, loved ones, parents, and herself.”
The Mount Pleasant musician’s desire for frequent displays of affection in 2026 arrives amid her recent reconciliation with actor Chase Stokes. While the couple ended their relationship last fall, they confirmed on New Year’s Eve that they were giving their romance another chance.
Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes 'Never Really Stopped' Talking After Split
“A challenging year for the heart, a turbulent year for external influences impacting personal matters, a difficult year for the way their relationship was portrayed publicly,” Ballerini wrote via her Instagram Stories on Wednesday, December 31. “What I’ll say, and all I truly care to share regarding my personal life from now on, is that I deeply value love.”
She continued, “I believe in it, I believe in him, and I believe in changing established patterns. Now go show affection to your partner and cease speculating.”
Ballerini posted a photo embracing Stokes, 33, who shared the same image on his social media account.
“Something I’ve realized this year: don’t miss out on the most beautiful things that, in 33 years of life, are fleeting,” Stokes captioned a carousel of the affectionate photos. “Take responsibility, learn from errors. Embrace love and express it frequently. 2026 will be my year of growth, my year of honesty. Beginning here, beginning now.”
Ballerini and Stokes began dating in January 2023, which marked the country singer’s first relationship since finalizing her divorce from Morgan Evans the previous year.
Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes’ Relationship Timeline
“I was prepared to be open again [after my divorce]. I simply felt, ‘Why not? I haven’t really dated before. I don’t understand how it functions,’” Ballerini previously said on “Call Her Daddy” podcast in February 2023. “I thought, ‘Let’s put ourselves out there. Let’s just see what happens.’ And it’s been enjoyable. I sent a message to his inbox. I dove right in. His username is ‘hichasestokes’ and I simply said, ‘Hello Chase Stokes.’”
After two years of dating and numerous red carpet appearances, Us Weekly confirmed in September 2025 that Stokes and Ballerini ended their relationship.
“It was a painful separation,” a source told Us at the time. “They had been arguing quite a bit recently, and their communication wasn’t strong in the last month. They were both traveling extensively and attempting to balance everything, and the arguments accumulated.”
Within weeks, Ballerini was seen spending time with the Outer Banks actor in Scotland and Croatia. Their reunion, however, appeared to be short-lived.
“Don’t trust the media,” Stokes cryptically wrote via his Instagram Stories in November 2025, suggesting he and Ballerini had broken up again. “I’m blocked, I did nothing wrong. I’m sorry ❤️. I tried. I’m sorry for those who believed in us. That’s just how it is. Moving forward.”
Neither Ballerini nor Stokes have further revealed how they rekindled their connection the following month.
