Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes have ended their relationship after three years together, Ballerini’s representative confirmed to People magazine.
The split was reported days after Stokes posted an affectionate Instagram carousel celebrating Ballerini’s birthday, writing, "although you keep saying you’re not excited for 32, id say I’m lookin forward to more of this," and adding, "happy birthday my love." Sources close to the 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." Fans reacted with confusion and concern on social media following the news and the birthday post.
Representatives for Ballerini and Stokes did not immediately respond to requests for additional comment. Fox News Digital noted that fans posted messages under Stokes’ birthday tribute asking for clarification, with some commenters pleading for answers and others expressing disbelief.
Ballerini and Stokes began dating in December 2022 after she said she first connected with him via a flirtatious direct message on Instagram, according to a Neon interview she gave in October 2023. Over the course of their relationship, Ballerini spoke publicly about their efforts to maintain and strengthen the partnership, including attending couples therapy. In an interview with People earlier this year, the five-time Grammy nominee described the work of relationship-building as "steady and human," and said that going to therapy together was part of what she considered a healthy, pragmatic approach to love.
"Being with another creative, we both understand each other’s process," Ballerini told the outlet, saying she would not ask Stokes to decline a role that inspired him and he would not ask her to compromise her songwriting. She added that the pair became mirrors for one another, helping each see and improve aspects of themselves.
Ballerini’s public discussion of relationships followed her 2022 divorce from musician Morgan Evans. On the "Call Her Daddy" podcast in February 2023, she detailed the marital struggles that led to that split, citing separations, years of couples therapy and a sense of disconnection that left her feeling she was carrying the emotional load.
Stokes is best known for his role on the Netflix series "Outer Banks;" Ballerini is a country artist whose recent work and domestic life have been covered extensively in entertainment press. The reported breakup marks another high-profile split in recent years for both, and adds to ongoing public interest in how entertainers balance careers and relationships.
People first reported the split, citing the representative’s confirmation and the accounts of people close to the couple. Neither star has issued a formal statement to explain the circumstances of the separation, and their representatives did not immediately return additional requests for comment.