Kelsea Ballerini Hints at Reason for Chase Stokes Breakup

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Kelsea Ballerini might know about what it takes to make Xs.

Just days after confirming her breakup with Chase Stokes – despite briefly getting back together in December – Kelsea Ballerini sparked some discussion when she commented on a new song by Ashley Cooke about a relationship ending.

I’ve been completely captivated by Ashley’s new song! The lyrics really hit home – she sings about those messy nights out, the way glances can lead to trouble, and the fallout when secrets start to slip. It’s all about the small lies and denials, and how quickly gossip spreads in a small town. She perfectly captures how crossing boundaries always comes with consequences – it’s like creating a mark that can’t be erased.

She said, “Don’t pretend you didn’t do it, and trying to explain it away won’t change anything.” She continued, “You think I’d want to come back after that? Absolutely not. You should know that breaking boundaries creates problems.”

Kelsea, 32, seemed to really connect with the song, simply writing “mmmhhhmmm” in the comments.

Ashley responded, “@kelseaballerini you get it.”

TopMob News has reached out to Chase’s reps for comment but has not heard back.

Although Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes, 33, haven’t officially commented on their breakup, Kelsea recently discussed their relationship at the Grammy Awards on February 1st.

We’ve been together for a long time and share a full life together. He was with me this morning while I was getting ready, and he’ll be there with me when filming is finished,” she shared with Entertainment Tonight. “I truly believe in and cherish love.”

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Kelsea said the talk surrounding their breakup in September, after almost three years together, was a little more dramatic than it actually was.

It seemed much worse from the outside than it actually was,” she said. “We definitely learned a valuable lesson from the experience.

Kelsea Ballerini, who was married to Morgan Evans from 2017 until their divorce in 2022, sparked some surprise when she ran into Madelyn Cline – Chase Stokes’s ex-girlfriend – at the Grammys. They took a friendly selfie together, posing close and laughing.

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

On December 1st, 2022, Kelsea Ballerini sent a direct message to Chase Stokes 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 considers that date 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 close to watch 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 revealing how her relationship began. 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 explores 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 they were heading to a sushi restaurant. She promised to call with all the details tomorrow.

She took a deep breath, raised a finger, and finally declared, “I can do this. I can do this.”

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 really that simple,” she said.

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

I was so excited to finally see them make their relationship public! They officially debuted as a couple at the CMT Music Awards in Texas, and it was a really sweet moment.

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, and both of them shared sweet videos and photos of the heartwarming reunion.

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 how supportive and understanding Chase is, adding that he’s a genuinely kind person.

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.”

The couple had a memorable way to celebrate Kelsea’s birthday: they matched outfits 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 artificial and were focused on pleasing others. Now, she says, things are different – she’s more authentic and genuine.

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

The Grammy-nominated artist used to believe the act was simply tied to the people involved. Now, they understand 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 her close friend, Chase Stokes, sharing, “A full year around the sun with my bestie! Thanks for inspiring my love songs, @hichasestokes.”

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 nominations at the 2025 Grammys – and jokingly acknowledged Beyoncé and Miley Cyrus’s win with Noah Kahan – she still had something to celebrate at the 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, sharing on Instagram that it was a challenging time for her heart and personal life. However, she emphasized that she still strongly believes in love, in her partner, and in the importance of changing old habits. She indicated she doesn’t plan to share much more about her personal life going forward, but wanted to express her continued faith in love.

Reports say the couple broke up again in February, shortly after Kelsea Ballerini had said things were going well between them.

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

Oh my gosh, it’s just…we’ve shared so much life together, you know? He was even here with me this morning getting ready, and he’ll be right here with me when it’s all over. It’s just…I really, truly believe in love, I always have. It’s everything!

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2026-02-12 04:18