Chase Stokes Makes First Appearance Since Kelsea Ballerini Breakup

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Chase Stokes is stepping back out there.

Chase Stokes, known for his role in *Outer Banks*, was seen in public for the first time since his breakup with Kelsea Ballerini. He attended a concert by Malcolm Todd at The Charleston Music Hall in Charleston, South Carolina, on September 22nd.

Chase attended the event with his *Outer Banks* co-stars Drew Starkey and Jonathan Daviss, along with Drew’s sister, Brooke Starkey. Videos shared on social media show the close group watching the show from a balcony on the left side of the stage. Chase wore a camo baseball hat and a striped long-sleeved shirt with tan pants, keeping a relatively low profile.

Kelsea Ballerini, age 33, was seen out publicly less than two weeks after her representative confirmed to TopMob News on September 14th that she and Chase Stokes had ended their nearly three-year relationship.

The announcement arrived only two days after the actor publicly celebrated his girlfriend’s 32nd birthday.

Chase shared a birthday message to his partner on Instagram, posting a courtside photo of them at a basketball game. Despite their playful banter about turning 32, he wrote, ‘Happy birthday my love. I’m looking forward to more of this!’

As a big Kelsea Ballerini fan, it’s been tough seeing everything play out with her and Morgan Evans. They were married from 2017 to 2022, and while Kelsea hasn’t said much publicly about their breakup, she recently posted something on TikTok that seemed to address all the rumors and speculation after she was photographed leaving a salon on September 21st. It felt like she was finally acknowledging everything without directly saying it, and honestly, I appreciated it.

The singer, referring to people she described as ‘speculators,’ unnamed ‘sources,’ and paparazzi hiding near her hair salon, shared a video on September 23rd with the caption: ‘Please leave us alone.’

The video featured Ariana Grande’s song “Shut Up” and showed Kelsea reacting to the lyrics, “Maybe you should shut up,” by putting her head in her hands and taking a drink of energy drink.

Chase and Kelsea were open about their relationship, but Chase-who previously dated his *Outer Banks* co-star Madelyn Cline-had mentioned he liked to keep some parts of his personal life private.

Honestly, he said this in an interview, and I just *had* to replay it in my head a million times! He admitted people might think he shares too much, that he gets into a lot of detail, but then he insisted his personal life is actually super private! He really believes he’s still in control of what people know about him, and it’s just… *chef’s kiss*. It’s like he’s aware of what everyone says, but he’s determined to keep *something* just for himself. I totally get it, you know?

Keep reading for more on Chase and Kelsea’s romance…

On December 1st, 2022, around 1:30 a.m., Kelsea Ballerini messaged Chase Stokes on Instagram after a night out with friends. She admitted she was a little tipsy when she sent the message.

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

Kelsea shared on the *Call Her Daddy* podcast in November 2023 that he silently got 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.

The two were photographed looking cozy at a football game.

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, “He’s coming to get me, and we’re going to get sushi. I’ll call you tomorrow with all the details.”

I’ve found that when I’m facing a challenge, a simple trick really helps me center myself. I’ll take a deep breath, sometimes even raise a hand and a finger as a little signal to myself, and repeat, ‘I can do this.’ It sounds small, but it’s amazing how much that little affirmation can shift my mindset and give me the confidence to move forward.

After a little playful movement, she explained that a date is simply a chance to have a meal and chat about your life. “It’s not a big deal,” she said.

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

The two showcased their love on the CMAs red carpet.

The twosome attended the premiere party for the Broadway musical Shucked at Capitale.

The pair officially stepped out as a couple at the CMT Music Awards.

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, and both of them shared sweet videos and photos of the moment.

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

The two were spotted on a summer date in NYC, where the singer performed on TODAY.

Kelsea shared on the show that she appreciates how supportive and understanding Chase is, adding that he’s a truly kind person.

The two appeared together at the 2023 MTV VMAs on Kelsea’s birthday.

The two shared a kiss on the red carpet.

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

To celebrate Kelsea’s 30th birthday on September 12, 2023, Chase shared a collection of photos and videos featuring the three-time Grammy nominee.

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

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

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 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 their previous interactions felt artificial and were focused on pleasing the other person. She’s glad that’s no longer the case.

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

The Grammy nominee explained they used to believe it was simply about the people involved. 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 her close friend, Chase Stokes, sharing, “A year around the sun with my bestie! Thanks for inspiring my love songs, @hichasestokes.”

Kelsea shared this romantic pic on their first dating anniversary.

The two celebrated the anniversary of their first date.

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

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

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2025-09-24 17:18