Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes have ended their relationship after nearly three years together, People reported Sunday, citing sources close to the couple.
"They're two adults who gave it their all and tried to do everything they could to make it work, but ultimately couldn't," the sources told People. The split came just days after Stokes posted a public birthday message for Ballerini, calling her "my love." Page Six reported that neither star's representative immediately responded to requests for comment.
Stokes's Instagram message to Ballerini appeared to show the pair still together as recently as Friday, when he posted photos and 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 ❤️." Ballerini's most recent Instagram activity before the report was a carousel of photos and memes that did not include Stokes; she had posted a lighthearted caption about entering her 32nd year.
The two first sparked dating speculation in January 2023, when Stokes shared a photo of the pair watching the college football championship. Public displays of affection and joint red-carpet appearances followed; Stokes posted a photo of Ballerini kissing him the following month and the couple were photographed together at events, including the Country Music Association Awards in 2024.
Throughout their relationship, Ballerini spoke publicly about the work the pair were doing to maintain their partnership. In April she told People that the two attended therapy together, describing her current view of love as "steady" and "human" and saying that therapy had been an important part of their approach. "He helps me see the best things about myself and vice versa," she said at the time.
Friends and insiders told People the breakup was not for lack of effort, indicating both parties tried to make the relationship work. The outlet's report did not assign a specific cause for the split.
The couple's representatives did not immediately comment to Page Six, which first reported the separation. Public statements from Ballerini or Stokes addressing the report had not been posted as of Sunday evening.
The announcement marks the end of a relationship that had been both public and, by the stars' account, intentionally worked on. Ballerini and Stokes had been linked for nearly three years and frequently appeared together at industry events and on social media throughout that time.