Kelsea Ballerini’s Ex Morgan Evans Reacts to Chase Stokes’ Comment

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Morgan Evans is clapping back.

Australian singer Morgan Wallen responded to a comment made by Chase Stokes—who previously dated Morgan’s ex-wife, Kelsea Ballerini—after Stokes reportedly called a recent interview of Morgan’s a sign of weak masculinity. Morgan subtly alluded to the criticism in a response.

Morgan shared on Instagram on March 5th that he was feeling confident and masculine, and used the post to announce his new album is coming out in two weeks.

Photos show the 40-year-old doing various tasks, including lifting a small refrigerator, working on a car engine, and chopping wood. His new album, Steel Town, which comes out on March 20th, is visible in the background of the pictures.

A complicated situation arose between the three former partners soon after Morgan discussed his past relationship with Kelsea on Bobby Bones’ podcast, The BobbyCast. He talked about their marriage, which lasted from 2017 to 2022, and expressed his surprise at their divorce.

I really didn’t see that conversation coming,” Morgan said on the March 3rd episode. “I might have been a little too trusting, but it still shocked me. Honestly, that whole period is a bit of a blur now. Looking back, it almost feels like it happened to someone else. I’m just left thinking, ‘Wow, that was something.’

More than anything, the speed with which their divorce occurred was a shock to his system.

He described the experience as really strange and fast-paced. Everything happened so quickly – from learning Kelsea wanted a divorce, to hiring a lawyer, drawing up a prenuptial agreement, having several conversations with legal counsel, and finally signing the papers in the Ryman Auditorium parking lot while it was raining, before heading home.

After Morgan spoke on the podcast, Bobby posted a video to Instagram. It showed a comment Chase—who had an on-again, off-again relationship with Kelsea from 2023 to 2026—reportedly left on a clip of the interview. The comment has since been deleted.

In a video posted by Bobby, the Outer Banks star reportedly called someone’s behavior “the most pathetic excuse of masculinity I’ve ever seen” and told them to “get a life.”

Bobby stated he doesn’t know Chase, but believes he’s likely a good person. He also felt his conversation with Morgan went well, and appreciated Morgan’s kind and considerate explanation of what happened.

As for what Bobby thought of Morgan’s apparent clapback? The 45-year-old commented, “I laughed.”

For a look back at Kelsea and Chase’s time together, read on. 

On December 1st, 2022, around 1:30 a.m., Kelsea Ballerini messaged Chase Stokes on social media after having a night out with friends at a bar. She was reportedly intoxicated at the time.

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

Kelsea shared on her podcast, Call Her Daddy, that he simply got out of his truck, didn’t say anything, and then kissed her. After pulling away, he reportedly said, ‘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 on January 7, 2023, revealing a glimpse into the beginning of their relationship.

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 take her to a sushi restaurant, and she’d call tomorrow with all the details.

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

After a little playful movement, she explained that a date is simply going out to eat and chatting about your life. “It’s really that simple,” she said.

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.

Kelsea was surprised and delighted when Chase unexpectedly met her at the airport, and both of them shared sweet videos and photos of the 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.

Honestly, hearing Kelsea talk about Chase just melts my heart! She said on the show that it’s amazing to feel so understood and appreciated by him, and she really emphasized what a genuinely incredible person he is. It’s so clear how much he means to her, and it makes me feel all warm inside just knowing they have that connection!

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 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 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.

Okay, so Kelsea basically spilled everything in November! She was on Alex Cooper’s Call Her Daddy podcast, and when Alex asked how things were going with… well, you know… Kelsea just said, ‘I’m having a nice time!’ I’ve replayed that part like a million times, honestly. It was so open and honest, and I’m just living for it! It’s all I’ve been thinking about since!

Ugh, she said it used to be all for show, like she was doing it to impress them. It was all an act, basically. But now? Now it’s different. She says she’s finally doing it for herself and it’s so real and amazing! It’s not about anyone else anymore, and honestly, it’s everything I’ve been waiting for!

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

The Grammy-nominated artist used to believe doing things was simply about the people involved. Now, they see it as a way to build connections between people.

“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 playfully thanked him for inspiring her 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.

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 special reason 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 internally and externally, and that her life felt beyond her control. 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 say the couple broke up again in February, shortly after Kelsea Ballerini publicly mentioned they were 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 at the 2026 Grammys that despite the breakup, she and her partner have a long history together and continue to support each other. She added that she still strongly believes in love.

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2026-03-06 18:18