Kelsea Ballerini Shares Insight Into NYC Move After Chase Stokes Split

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Kelsea Ballerini will eventually roll the welcome mat back up.

Just weeks after revealing she was moving to New York City, singer Pink clarified that her move from Nashville isn’t permanent – it’s only temporary.

Kelsea clarified to Erin Lim Rhodes of TopMob News that she isn’t moving permanently. She’s only staying in Los Angeles for the summer and is really enjoying her time there, she said at the 2026 Fashion Trust U.S. Awards.

After ending her relationship with Chase Stokes in February, the 32-year-old is enjoying a fresh start. She shared, “I’m still figuring things out, and it’s really fun!”

Actually, exploring the city and simply doing things I enjoy has been surprisingly inspiring.

“I feel this resurgence of energy,” she added. “It’s been really nice, and I’m really excited.”

The singer of “Cowboys Cry Too” shared a sneak peek of her plans to stay busy while she explores New York City.

She confessed she’s on a quest for the perfect spicy rigatoni, and that it matters to her more than finding great pizza. ‘That dish is what truly feels like Italy to me,’ she explained. ‘I have to find it.’

Maybe enjoying some delicious Italian food is exactly what Kelsea needs after a tough few months dealing with relationship issues.

The country singer and her Outer Banks actor ex-boyfriend, Chase, broke up in September after dating for three years. They got back together in December, and seemed happy together at the Grammys in February. However, they split up again just a week later.

Amid the breakup news, though, Kelsea shared an optimistic outlook on life.

Earlier this year brought unexpected challenges and endings, forcing you to let go of old burdens and learn difficult lessons. It really tested how strong you are. But despite everything, you made it through, and you’re now more resilient, self-aware, and confident in what you need and deserve, as she shared in a recent post.

For a look back at Kelsea and Chase’s years-long 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 face-to-face on January 7, 2023, a date she now considers their anniversary.

Kelsea shared on her podcast, Call Her Daddy, that he got 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 cozied up 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 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 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, 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.”

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

After a little playful movement, she explained that a date is simply a chance to go out, have a meal, and chat 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 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.

I was so surprised and thrilled to see Chase waiting for Kelsea at the airport! It was totally unexpected, and they both shared the sweetest videos and photos of their reunion – it was just adorable to see!

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, and described him as a truly wonderful 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.”

Kelsea’s birthday became a truly memorable occasion when she and her partner made 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.

Oh my gosh, you guys, did you SEE the pictures?! My absolute favorites, the singer and Chase Stokes, were totally living their best lives on vacation! They posted everything on Instagram – seriously, a cooking class with them?! And beach pics? I’m dying! It’s just… perfection. I need a vacation like that, obviously with them, naturally.

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 podcast Call Her Daddy 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 an act, done to please others. Now, she says things are different – she’s more genuine and acts for herself.

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.”

It’s been a full year with my amazing boyfriend, Chase! As Kelsea said in her post, he seriously inspires me – he’s the reason I’m writing all these love songs! I’m so grateful for him.

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

Kelsea shared this romantic pic from their anniversary celebration.

As a style enthusiast, I always say, seize the moment – and Kelsea and Chase absolutely did at the Met Gala! They made a stunning first impression, arriving perfectly coordinated in gorgeous Michael Kors designs for the opening of the ‘Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion’ exhibit. It was a fantastic way to kick off the evening.

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

Though she didn’t win any of her three Grammy nominations, and playfully acknowledged Beyoncé and Miley Cyrus’s win with Noah Kahan, Kelsea Ballerini still had a special moment 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, sharing on Instagram that it was challenging for her heart and personal life. She explained that while she doesn’t plan to share much more about her personal life, she still strongly believes in love, in her partner, and in the importance of changing old habits.

Reports indicate the couple separated again in February, shortly after Kelsea 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 both getting ready for and finishing up at the 2026 Grammys. She expressed her continued belief in love, saying, ‘I love love and I truly believe in it.’

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2026-04-08 22:18