Kelsea Ballerini Debuts Subtle Hair Change After Chase Stokes Breakup

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Kelsea Ballerini is switching up her patterns.

Singer Jessie Murph, known for her song “Cowboys Cry Too,” debuted a new hairstyle at New York Fashion Week on February 12th. This was her first public appearance since she and Chase Stokes ended their on-again, off-again relationship after briefly reconciling in December.

I was so excited to see Kelsea at the Carolina Herrera show! She usually wears her hair with a middle part, but this time she switched it up with a really deep side part. It was amazing how that simple change made her blonde hair look a little darker! She paired the new hairstyle with this gorgeous, dark blue Carolina Herrera gown – it was sleeveless and covered in sparkling blue sequins. And the finishing touch? Pointed blue heels, of course! The whole look was stunning.

The 32-year-old showcased another stylish look later in the day. At the Michael Kors runway show, she kept her hair parted in the middle and slicked back, and wore sheer black harem pants with a black belted jacket and heels.

Kelsea and Chase haven’t publicly addressed their split after nearly three years together. However, Kelsea may have alluded to the reason for the breakup in a comment on a new song by country artist Ashley Cooke, sparking speculation among fans.

In a video posted on Instagram on February 9th, Ashley sang about the consequences of reckless behavior, describing how nights of drinking and infidelity lead to secrets, lies, and ultimately, gossip. She suggests that once boundaries are crossed, things quickly unravel and the truth comes out.

She said, “I know you were behind this, and there’s no use trying to pretend otherwise. You think I’d want to be with you after that? Absolutely not. Once you’ve broken a boundary, you can’t erase the consequences.”

The lyrics appeared to resonate with Kelsea, who wrote in the comments, “mmmhhhmmm.”

Kelsea hasn’t spoken publicly about her recent breakup with Chase. However, she did talk about her split from Morgan Evans, which ended in September, and said the media attention surrounding it was a bit overblown.

She explained to Entertainment Tonight at the 2026 Grammys on February 1st that the situation seemed bigger and more intense to the public than it actually was. She added that it was a valuable experience for everyone involved.

The singer of “Patterns” also shared that their relationship was in a good place, explaining that they had been together for a long time and had already experienced a lot as a couple.

She said he helped her prepare today and would be there when they finished. She also expressed her strong belief in love.

That evening at the Grammys, she surprised everyone by posting a mysterious selfie with Chase’s former girlfriend, Madelyn Cline.

For a look back at Kelsea and Chase’s romance, keep reading.

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 her podcast, Call Her Daddy, that he jumped out of his truck without saying anything, 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 pair snuggled close to watch Georgia decisively defeat TCU at the 2023 College Football National Championship game, 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 for sushi. She promised to call tomorrow with all the details.

I watched her, holding my breath with her. She paused, then slowly lifted an arm, one finger pointing upwards, and whispered, ‘I can do this. I can do this.’ It was like she was trying to convince herself, but I knew, watching her, that she absolutely could.

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

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.

Oh my gosh, you guys, I was living for the moment Chase surprised Kelsea at the airport! It was SO sweet! They both shared the cutest videos and pictures of their reunion – I seriously can’t get enough! It was just the most adorable thing ever, and I’ve rewatched the videos like a million times!

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 truly kind person.

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

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

The couple had a memorable birthday celebration for Kelsea by making a coordinated fashion statement 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 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 a show for the other person, but that’s no longer the case.

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

“I always thought that it was just something that you did because that’s who you do it with,” the Grammy nominee shared. “Now I realize it’s a connector for people.”

“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.”

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.

Though she didn’t win any of her three nominations at the 2025 Grammys – and jokingly acknowledged being beaten by Beyoncé and Miley Cyrus – Kelsea Ballerini still had something to celebrate at the awards show.

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 emotionally and publicly. However, she emphasized that she remains a firm believer in love – in the concept itself, 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 Ballerini publicly stated their relationship was doing 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 that despite their recent breakup, her ex-partner was with her while getting ready for and will be present when she finishes at the 2026 Grammys. She expressed her continued belief in love, saying, ‘I love love and I believe in it.’

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2026-02-13 05:18