Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes are back together after their breakup
2 january 2026 в 00:50
Kelsea Ballerini’s personal life has undergone new changes ahead of 2026. After her public breakup with long-term boyfriend Chase Stokes in September 2025, following nearly three years together, the couple confirmed on New Year’s Eve that they had rekindled their relationship. Both stars shared heartfelt messages on social media: Chase emphasized personal growth and responsibility, while Kelsea openly spoke about her belief in love and her desire to break old patterns after a «difficult year» emotionally.
The rekindling of their relationship comes amid changes in Kelsea’s life, as she continues to focus on her music career while dealing with the aftermath of her divorce from country singer Morgan Evans in 2022. Although she often lets her work speak for her, Kelsea has shared candid reflections on love, heartbreak, and resilience throughout this stage of her life.
Fans began to suspect that something was happening between Kelsea and Chase when they appeared in a group photo during the National Championship football game in January 2023. A few days later, Chase posted a photo on Instagram of Kelsea comfortably sitting on his lap, adding more intrigue to the rumors of a romantic relationship. In the following weeks, the couple continued to fuel speculation: first, they were spotted in a cozy setting at a bar in Nashville, and then they were photographed hugging at the airport.
Kelsea finally confirmed that she was in a new relationship with Chase during an episode of the Call Her Daddy podcast on February 22. When asked if she was single, she replied, «No! I’m just enjoying life», - and then elaborated on her feelings for Chase. «It's all very new for me», - she said about their romantic relationship. «I'm being cautious, but I’m happy. It has been a really beautiful awakening».
During the interview, Kelsea also shared the timeline of their relationship. She noted that it all started in December 2022. «I slid into his DMs», - the country singer proudly added. «I decided I wasn’t going to use dating apps. He was filming [Outer Banks] in Charlotte, and my manager lives there. He suggested to me, 'You know who’s really sweet when you’re ready…' and I thought, 'You're right!' I had never watched the show, but I knew about him. I followed him, he followed me back, and I dove right in».
Her first message became a fan favorite. «His Instagram handle is @HiChaseStokes, so I wrote, 'Hi, Chase Stokes,'» she laughed. At the time, they were just «having fun», - but soon things became more serious. In early March, Kelsea was in New York City before her performance on Saturday Night Live, and Chase came to town to promote Outer Banks. The couple had their first public outing at a New York Rangers game on March 2. They were also photographed holding hands while walking around New York, and Chase was backstage to support Kelsea during her debut on Saturday Night Live.
As their relationship began to develop publicly, some fans started to wonder if it was real or just a publicity stunt. On March 7, Kelsea poked fun at the rumors in her Instagram Stories. She shared a photo of herself sitting on Chase’s lap with a sarcastic caption: «I don’t know, seems staged. Probably PR». When Kelsea went on tour in March 2023, Chase was spotted at several of her concerts, proudly watching her from the side of the stage. He then accompanied Kelsea to the CMT Awards on April 2, marking their official red carpet debut as a couple.
Chase is best known as an actor and has appeared in various projects, including the Netflix series Outer Banks, which has been airing since 2020. He was born in Annapolis, Maryland, but grew up in Georgia and Florida
The rekindling of their relationship comes amid changes in Kelsea’s life, as she continues to focus on her music career while dealing with the aftermath of her divorce from country singer Morgan Evans in 2022. Although she often lets her work speak for her, Kelsea has shared candid reflections on love, heartbreak, and resilience throughout this stage of her life.
Fans began to suspect that something was happening between Kelsea and Chase when they appeared in a group photo during the National Championship football game in January 2023. A few days later, Chase posted a photo on Instagram of Kelsea comfortably sitting on his lap, adding more intrigue to the rumors of a romantic relationship. In the following weeks, the couple continued to fuel speculation: first, they were spotted in a cozy setting at a bar in Nashville, and then they were photographed hugging at the airport.
Kelsea finally confirmed that she was in a new relationship with Chase during an episode of the Call Her Daddy podcast on February 22. When asked if she was single, she replied, «No! I’m just enjoying life», - and then elaborated on her feelings for Chase. «It's all very new for me», - she said about their romantic relationship. «I'm being cautious, but I’m happy. It has been a really beautiful awakening».
During the interview, Kelsea also shared the timeline of their relationship. She noted that it all started in December 2022. «I slid into his DMs», - the country singer proudly added. «I decided I wasn’t going to use dating apps. He was filming [Outer Banks] in Charlotte, and my manager lives there. He suggested to me, 'You know who’s really sweet when you’re ready…' and I thought, 'You're right!' I had never watched the show, but I knew about him. I followed him, he followed me back, and I dove right in».
Her first message became a fan favorite. «His Instagram handle is @HiChaseStokes, so I wrote, 'Hi, Chase Stokes,'» she laughed. At the time, they were just «having fun», - but soon things became more serious. In early March, Kelsea was in New York City before her performance on Saturday Night Live, and Chase came to town to promote Outer Banks. The couple had their first public outing at a New York Rangers game on March 2. They were also photographed holding hands while walking around New York, and Chase was backstage to support Kelsea during her debut on Saturday Night Live.
As their relationship began to develop publicly, some fans started to wonder if it was real or just a publicity stunt. On March 7, Kelsea poked fun at the rumors in her Instagram Stories. She shared a photo of herself sitting on Chase’s lap with a sarcastic caption: «I don’t know, seems staged. Probably PR». When Kelsea went on tour in March 2023, Chase was spotted at several of her concerts, proudly watching her from the side of the stage. He then accompanied Kelsea to the CMT Awards on April 2, marking their official red carpet debut as a couple.
Chase is best known as an actor and has appeared in various projects, including the Netflix series Outer Banks, which has been airing since 2020. He was born in Annapolis, Maryland, but grew up in Georgia and Florida
© Artemenko Olga
