Chase Stokes Has Fiery Message for Kelsea Ballerini’s Ex Morgan Evans

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Chase Stokes isn’t going down without a fight.

After Morgan Evans—the ex-husband of Chase’s former girlfriend Kelsea Ballerini—shared details about their divorce on Bobby Bones’ podcast, The BobbyCast, Chase immediately said he wanted to publicly respond.

The actor made a harsh comment on Bobby’s Instagram, calling his behavior a poor example of masculinity. Bobby responded by sharing a screenshot of the comment and telling the actor to ‘get a life.’

The singer of “Over For You,” who was married to Kelsea from 2017 to 2022, was surprised by the divorce.

Morgan said she was completely caught off guard by the conversation, admitting she might have been naive to not see it coming. She described the whole experience as a blur, feeling now as if it happened to someone else. Looking back, she’s shocked by it all.

The person shared that their divorce was finalized just four months after they separated.

It felt really strange and unreal,” he said, remembering the events. “Everything happened so fast. We found out Kelsea wanted a divorce, quickly got a lawyer, drew up a prenuptial agreement, had a few calls with the attorney, and actually signed the papers in the Ryman Auditorium parking lot while it was raining, then just went home.

Following Kelsea’s 2023 album, Rolling Up The Welcome Mat, which detailed their split, Morgan—currently dating country singer Laci Kaye since 2024—said he believed her portrayal of events wasn’t accurate.

He explained that the situation didn’t really feel personal to him. He felt like he’d become a symbol for any man who had hurt a woman during that time, and some of the accusations didn’t make any sense to him. He was confused by some of the things people were saying.

Morgan had a tough time dealing with his divorce, which he wrote about on his new album, Steel Town, because he didn’t know anyone else who had been through the same thing.

He described his divorce as a terrible experience, especially because he had never dealt with it before. Coming from a family where everyone else is happily married – his grandparents for 70 years, his parents for 45, and his brother and sister still together – and with no divorced friends, he felt like he was figuring things out as he went along.

Chase and Kelsea have had a somewhat rocky relationship since 2023, and while Morgan shared details about their split, Bobby argued he was justified in talking about it.

Bobby mentioned in an Instagram video on March 4th that the artist hadn’t shared details about his personal life. However, he recently released an album that does touch on those experiences, including a brief account of his divorce.

Okay, seriously, I thought the interview was amazing. He was so gracious about everything, how he explained things. It’s like, there’s his side, her side, and then what actually happened, you know? But honestly, I thought he handled it perfectly. I’m just saying, it was a really good interview!

Now that Kelsea is enjoying life on her own in her penthouse, let’s take a look back at her relationship with Chase.

Chase and Kelsea have had an intermittent relationship since 2023, and while Morgan had a problem with him discussing their split, Bobby maintained he was within his rights to share what happened.

Bobby mentioned in an Instagram video on March 4th that this person had been private about his personal life. However, he recently released an album that touches on his experiences, including a divorce he went through, though that’s just one part of the record.

I thought the interview went really well,” the online personality said. “He was very kind in how he explained things, his side of what happened. Of course, there are always two sides to every story, and the truth. Overall, I felt the interview was positive.

Now that Kelsea is enjoying life on her own in her penthouse, let’s take a look back at her relationship with Chase.

On December 1st, 2022, around 1:30 a.m., Kelsea Ballerini sent a direct message to Chase Stokes after having drinks with friends at a bar.

They finally met in person on January 7, 2023, a date she now considers their anniversary.

Kelsea remembered that he got out of his Bronco without saying anything, then immediately grabbed her face, kissed her, and pulled back, saying, ‘Thank God you’re real,’ as she shared on the Call Her Daddy podcast in November 2023.

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

The pair snuggled together to watch the University of Georgia easily defeat Texas Christian University at the 2023 College Football Playoff National Championship game, held in California.

In August 2023, Kelsea shared a TikTok video looking back at the start of her relationship. The clip showed her getting ready for her first date with her partner 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, saying he was going to pick her up and take her for sushi, and that she’d call tomorrow with all the details.

Okay, seriously, watching her was EVERYTHING. She just stood there, took this huge breath like she was gearing up for the most important moment of her life, and then… she raised one finger, just one, and whispered, ‘I can do this. I can do this.’ It was so simple, but it sent chills down my spine! I swear, I almost started crying. It was like she was talking to herself, building herself up, and honestly? It worked. I was instantly hooked.

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 added.

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

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

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 met her at the airport. Both of them shared sweet videos and photos of the heartwarming 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, adding that he’s a truly kind person.

I was so excited to see Chase celebrate Kelsea’s 30th birthday on September 12th! He shared a really sweet collection of photos and videos of her – it’s amazing to think about all she’s accomplished, including those three Grammy nominations.

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

The couple had a special moment celebrating Kelsea’s birthday by making 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 photos 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 spoke with Alex Cooper on the Call Her Daddy podcast and shared that she was enjoying her sex life, simply stating, “I’m having a nice time.”

She explained that previously, her interactions felt like she was putting on a show for the other person. Now, she says things are different and more genuine.

I always thought it was interesting how Chase changed this musician’s perspective. Before they started dating, she just didn’t see how intimacy could actually bring people closer together – she didn’t understand it as a true way to connect with someone. It’s amazing how love can open your eyes, isn’t it?

The Grammy-nominated artist used to believe they did things simply because of who they were with. Now, they see it as something that 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 jokingly thanked him for inspiring her to write 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 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art dressed in matching outfits by Michael Kors for the opening of the “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” exhibit.

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

Although Kelsea Ballerini didn’t win any of her three Grammy nominations, and she and Noah Kahan playfully acknowledged being beaten by Beyoncé and Miley Cyrus, she still had a positive experience at the awards show – she brought something special with her.

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

She confirmed their reconcilation on New Year’s Eve.

Kelsea reflected on a difficult year personally, sharing on Instagram that it felt chaotic both internally and externally, and like her life was on display for others. However, she emphasized that she still believes in love, in her partner, and in the importance of changing old habits. She indicated this would be all she shares about her personal life going forward.

Reports indicate the couple separated again in February, shortly after Kelsea publicly stated their relationship was going well.

At the 2026 Grammys on February 1st, she shared that their relationship, which had its ups and downs, seemed more intense to the public than it felt to them personally.

The singer shared with Entertainment Tonight at the 2026 Grammys that despite the breakup, her partner was with her both before and after the event. She emphasized her continued belief in love, saying, ‘I love love and I believe in it.’

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2026-03-06 00:21