Untangling Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes’ Relationship Status

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Hey Kelsea Ballerini, what’s your status? And tell us are you tryna keep it?

It seems likely that the 32-year-old and Chase Stokes are still together, even if she doesn’t bring him as her date to the 2025 CMA Awards on November 19th.

Despite confirming their breakup to TopMob News in September after almost three years together, it’s widely known that the musician and her ex-partner remain close. She was nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year alongside Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, and Lainey Wilson.

Earlier this month, a video went viral showing singer Maisie Peters enjoying herself while dancing with Chase Stokes to ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” in Dubrovnik, Croatia. She was visiting him while he filmed the final season of Outer Banks.

Fans noticed the singer video chatting with the actor at a Kentucky horse race in October, and she also liked one of his Instagram posts. This suggests they might be more than just friends.

Chase has been following the situation and recently commented on Kelsea’s TikTok post from November 16th, where she was promoting her song “People Pleaser” from her new EP, Mount Pleasant.

After fans guessed that Kelsea Ballerini’s song “Emerald City” was about competing with Chase Stokes’ ex-girlfriend and Outer Banks co-star, Madelyn Cline, Chase responded angrily, telling people to “grow up” and calling the speculation “weird.”

He genuinely loved Kelsea throughout their entire three-year relationship.

The saying goes that you need to let go of the past to embrace the future. After her five-year marriage to singer Morgan Evans ended in 2022, Kelsea hadn’t dated anyone since she was 22, so she took a chance and reached out to the actor.

“hiii chase stokes,” she wrote in that first DM, sent shortly after 1 a.m. on Dec. 1, 2022. 

He replied after two hours, and suddenly, just as she described in her 2023 song “How Do I Do This”, she found herself back where she started with the same person, who also shares her zodiac sign of Virgo.

Even though her past experiences had shattered her idea of love, she was ready to start fresh and write a new story for herself.

She explained on her February 2023 Call Her Daddy podcast that a friend who lives in Charleston—where he films—suggested Chase as a potential match. She said her friend told her he was cute and ‘when you’re ready,’ she should consider him. She agreed, and even though she’d never watched his show, she started following him on social media, and he followed her back, leading to a quick connection.

Because their cinematic first kiss had her falling hard.

She recounted on a November 2023 episode of Call Her Daddy that he jumped out of his Bronco, didn’t say anything, and immediately kissed her. After pulling away, he reportedly said, ‘Thank God you’re real.’

They quickly started sharing a lot of experiences together – from attending the College Football National Championship in January 2023 and making their first public appearance as a couple at the CMT Music Awards in April, to a visit to her hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee, in May. These moments provided enough inspiration for a whole album of love songs.

She said on the Call Her Daddy podcast that he’s incredibly emotionally aware – the most she’s ever seen in a man. She jokingly added that he seems almost designed to appeal to women.

And soon that woman putting pen to paper was her. 

In an October 2024 interview on Today, she explained that ‘First Rodeo’ was the first song she wrote about her partner, Chase. She described it as a vulnerable song about being hesitant to fully open up in love, but ultimately being drawn to both love itself and to Chase specifically.

Oh my gosh, she said it herself at the listening party! She actually said this album is the most loving thing she’s ever created! Like, every single song is just overflowing with love, and she thinks everyone can feel it. I knew it! I just knew this album was special, and she confirmed it! It’s pure, unfiltered love in musical form, and I’m completely obsessed.

If anyone’s bothered by them exploring the limits of their relationship…

He admitted in a 2024 interview with TopMob News that he sometimes worries he reveals too much personal information, but maintains that his private life is truly private.

They’ve been lucky that their work schedules haven’t clashed recently. He mentioned how great it is when Kelsea can join him on set or when he gets to visit her in Nashville while she’s working on her music.

But there have been plenty of private moments to treasure. 

Chase shared that they’ve kept their relationship strong despite the distance by having virtual dates. They’ll choose a type of food and then decide what to drink – wine or water – to make it feel like a special night together. They’ve discovered creative ways to make long distance work for them.

When asked if she saw a future with the situation, Kelsea Ballerini told Keltie Knight of TopMob News in October 2024 that she never rules anything out. She explained that she’s learned to reconsider things she previously dismissed, and often challenges her own past decisions.

Chase is a huge part of this album and my life,” she said. “It feels like a loving tribute to him and our relationship.

Their relationship could easily change in the future. While we wait to see if they continue together or go their separate ways, let’s look back at all the moments when Kelsea and Chase were clearly in love.

On December 1st, 2022, Kelsea Ballerini messaged Chase Stokes on Instagram at 1:30 a.m. She was out with friends at a bar and had been drinking at the time.

They finally met in person on January 7, 2023, and she now celebrates that day as their anniversary.

Kelsea shared on the Call Her Daddy podcast in November 2023 that he silently jumped out of his Bronco, then immediately grabbed her face, kissed her, and pulled back, saying, ‘Thank God you’re real.’

Their romance blossomed after that first DM, which Kelsea shared in September 2023.

Two people watched the University of Georgia easily defeat Texas Christian University at the 2023 College Football National Championship game, which was held in California.

In August 2023, Kelsea shared a nostalgic TikTok video showing how she got ready for her first date with her partner, which happened on January 7, 2023.

She shared a video with the caption, “Happy weekend! This is a video I sent to my best friend before my first date with Chase.”

Kelsea Ballerini showcased her outfit in a video set to her song “How Do I Do This,” which details the experience of going on a first date after a long time.

“Here’s the look, with the boots” Kelsea said while checking herself out in a full-length mirror.

She turned to show off her hairstyle—half up and half down—and explained, ‘I’m using this hair clip to try and look trendy.’

She kept talking to a friend, telling them that her date was picking her up and they were going to get sushi. She promised to call tomorrow with all the details.

She took a deep breath, raised a finger, and with newfound confidence, told herself, “I can do this. I can do this.”

After a little playful movement, she explained that a date is simply going out to eat and chatting about your life. “It’s nothing to worry about,” she said.

Chase shared a pic of himself and Kelsea showing some PDA.

The couple publicly confirmed their relationship by appearing together as a couple at the CMT Music Awards in Texas.

A few days later, the pair went to the opening night party for the Broadway show Shucked at Capitale in New York City.

Chase joined Kelsea on a trip to her hometown of Knoxville, Tenn.

The two attended Armani Beauty’s ACQUA DI GIO and Gen A celebration in Malibu, Calif.

Kelsea was surprised and delighted when Chase unexpectedly showed up to greet her at the airport. Both of them shared sweet videos and photos of their reunion online.

The couple only had eyes for one another at a Venice Film Festival event.

While in NYC to perform on TODAY, the singer scheduled in a date night with her No. 1 fan.

Kelsea shared on the show that she appreciates Chase’s support and understanding, describing him as a genuinely kind person.

As a little birthday tribute, I loved seeing Chase share a sweet collection of photos and videos celebrating Kelsea turning 30 on September 12th, 2023! It was a lovely way to acknowledge the three-time Grammy nominee and her special day.

“Dirty 30 looks pretty damn good on you ballerini,” he captioned the series. “i love you.”

The couple had a memorable day, marking Kelsea’s birthday with a coordinated appearance on the red carpet at the 2023 MTV VMAs.

And, yes, they shared a birthday kiss. 

Kelsea unveiled this pic on Chase’s 31st birthday days later.

Kelsea and Chase looked incredibly stylish at designer Giorgio Armani’s exclusive event in Venice, Italy.

The singer and the actor from Outer Banks posted pictures from their vacation on Instagram, showing them taking a cooking class and relaxing on the beach.

Kelsea shared this behind-the-scenes look from the event.

Kelsea planted a smooch on Chase’s cheek at the CMA Awards in November 2023.

In November 2023, Kelsea shared some personal details about her intimate life during an interview with Alex Cooper on the Call Her Daddy podcast, simply stating, “I’m having a nice time.”

She explained that previously, her interactions felt like a show for the other person, but that has changed. Now, she’s more genuine and doesn’t feel the need to perform.

Before dating Chase, the musician hadn’t realized how important intimacy could be for building a strong connection with someone.

I used to believe it was simply about sharing an activity with specific people,” the Grammy nominee explained. “Now I see it actually brings people together.

“One year of lovin you,” the actor wrote. “P.s. told ya I wouldn’t embarrass you.”

Kelsea celebrated her anniversary with Chase Stokes, writing, “A full year around the sun with my best friend!” She playfully thanked him for inspiring her love songs.

A year after calling dibs on each other’s hearts, they celebrated their love.  

Kelsea shared this romantic pic from their anniversary celebration.

Kelsea and Chase made a memorable first impression at the Met Gala, arriving in matching outfits by Michael Kors for the opening of the “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” exhibit. They didn’t miss the opportunity to shine!

Kelsea joined her boyfriend at the premiere of his Netflix movie Uglies.

Okay, so the Grammys didn’t quite go as planned this year – “Cowboys Cry Too” and I didn’t snag a win, and honestly, BeyoncĂ© and Miley Cyrus totally deserved it with that incredible collaboration! But you know what? I brought my own kind of win to the night, and that’s what really matters. It’s all about celebrating the music and the experience, and I definitely did that!

After nearly three years together, the duo officially called it quits on their relationship.

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2025-11-19 14:18