Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes have split after nearly three years together, Ballerini’s representative confirmed to People on Saturday.
A source close to the former couple told People that “they’re two adults who gave it their all and tried to do everything they could to make it work, but ultimately couldn’t. It happens.” Both Ballerini and Stokes are 32.
The two first sparked public interest in January 2023 when Stokes posted a snug game-day photograph of them at the Georgia vs. TCU matchup at SoFi Stadium in California. Public speculation and coy interview comments followed, and the pair made their relationship Instagram-official on the CMT Awards red carpet in April 2023.
According to published reports, Stokes posted a carousel of photographs to mark Ballerini’s 32nd birthday just days before news of the split surfaced. In that post he wrote, “Although you keep saying you’re not excited for 32, I’d say I’m lookin forward to more of this. happy birthday my love.”
The confirmation of the split closes a relationship that had received consistent attention from entertainment media given both individuals’ public profiles: Ballerini as a country music performer and Stokes as an actor known for his role on the Netflix series Outer Banks. Representatives for the actors did not provide further comment beyond the statement to People.
Both artists have maintained active careers while in the public eye. Ballerini rose to prominence in country music with multiple charting singles and award nominations, and Stokes gained recognition through his television work. Their pairing drew crossover attention between country music and television audiences.
No additional details about the timing or terms of the split were disclosed. The couple’s public Instagram posts in recent weeks showed moments together, and neither has issued a personal statement addressing the separation as of Saturday.
Media organizations contacted representatives for further comment. This article will be updated if either party issues a statement or additional verified information becomes available.