Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes: A Look Back at Their Whirlwind Romance
The celebrity romance between country star Kelsea Ballerini and Outer Banks actor Chase Stokes captured hearts with its modern-day meet-cute and picture-perfect moments. For nearly three years, they shared their love story with fans, from red-carpet appearances to sweet social media tributes. However, the music has faded on their relationship, with recent reports confirming their breakup.
This post breaks down the complete timeline of Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes’ relationship. We’ll cover how they met, their biggest moments, the reasons behind their split, and answer all the burning questions fans have about this high-profile couple.
How Did Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes Meet?
Kelsea and Chase’s romance began in a way many modern couples can relate to: a slide into the DMs. Fresh off her divorce from fellow musician Morgan Evans, Kelsea decided to take a chance.
On December 1, 2022, she sent a simple message to Chase: “hiii chase stokes.” He responded a couple of hours later, and their conversation began. Kelsea later revealed on the Call Her Daddy podcast that her manager had suggested Chase, and after seeing he was cute, she “swan dove right on in.”
Their Relationship Timeline: From First Kiss to Final Split
When did Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes start dating?
Their official first date was on January 7, 2023, a date they considered their anniversary. Kelsea described their first in-person meeting as something out of a movie. “He hopped out of his Bronco,” she recalled, “and he did not say a word to me, and he grabbed my face and he kissed me and he pulled my face away and he said, ‘Thank God you’re real.'”
- January 2023: The pair first sparked romance rumors when they were spotted looking cozy at the College Football Playoff National Championship game.
- April 2023: They made their official red-carpet debut as a couple at the CMT Music Awards, confirming their relationship to the world.
- 2023 – 2024: Throughout their relationship, they supported each other at every step. Chase was often seen at Kelsea’s concerts, and she joined him on location while he filmed Outer Banks. For memorable date nights, Kelsea’s radiant look was always on-point. If you want a touch of her glow, the NARS Afterglow Liquid Blush is a great option for fresh, healthy-looking cheeks. They also shared glimpses of their life together on social media, including hometown visits and vacations. For Kelsea’s 30th birthday, Chase posted a heartfelt tribute, writing, “Dirty 30 looks pretty damn good on you ballerini. i love you.”
- September 2025: After nearly three years together, news broke that the couple had split.
- October 2025: Reconciliation rumors began to fly after Kelsea was seen joining Chase in Croatia, where he was filming the final season of Outer Banks. A video of them dancing together went viral, and fans were hopeful for a reunion.
- November 2025: Despite a brief reconciliation, sources confirmed the couple had split for good.
Why Did Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes Break Up?
So, what happened between Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes? According to inside sources, the relationship had become “rocky and toxic.” The primary reasons cited for the breakup revolve around trust issues and the pressures of their demanding schedules.
An insider claimed that “jealousy definitely got in the way” and that Kelsea had “a lot of trust issues” following her previous divorce. The constant travel and time apart added strain, leading to frequent arguments and a breakdown in communication.
Chase seemed to confirm the split with a series of cryptic Instagram Stories on November 20th, writing, “I’m blocked, I did nothing wrong. I tried.” He followed up with, “I’m sorry for those who believed in us. It is what it is. Onwards and upwards.” Both stars have since unfollowed each other on social media.
The Music and the Rumors
Following the split, Kelsea released a new EP, Mount Pleasant. One track, “Emerald City,” sparked widespread internet speculation that it was about Chase’s ex-girlfriend and Outer Banks co-star, Madelyn Cline. The fan theories became so intense that Chase commented on Kelsea’s TikTok, writing, “These comments are f–king weird. Grow up.”
During a pop-up show in Nashville, an emotional Kelsea addressed the chatter, telling her fans, “I write songs to relate to, not to make a point on the internet.”
Navigating a Breakup in the Public Eye
Going through a breakup is tough for anyone, but doing it with the world watching adds another layer of difficulty. It’s a time when self-care becomes more important than ever. Creating small rituals, like a dedicated skincare routine, can provide a sense of comfort and control during an emotional period. A gentle, hydrating serum like the La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum – Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin B5 can help soothe stressed skin.
Sometimes, just putting on a little makeup can make you feel more like yourself. A touch of a creamy blush, such as the rhode Pocket Blush, can bring life back to your face. If you’re struggling with tired eyes after sleepless nights, a concealer like the Hourglass® Vanish™ Airbrush Concealer provides coverage that feels lightweight but lasts all day. And even if you don’t feel like smiling, a nourishing lip product such as the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm can keep your lips soft and cared for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes still together?
No, as of November 2025, Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes are not together. They have broken up after a brief reconciliation.
Are they back together?
While they briefly got back together in October 2025, they have since split again and are reportedly no longer on speaking terms.
How long have Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes been dating?
They dated for nearly three years, with their relationship starting in January 2023 and officially ending in November 2025.
Where do Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes live?
Kelsea Ballerini is based in Nashville, Tennessee, which is the heart of the country music scene. Chase Stokes primarily films Outer Banks in Charleston, South Carolina, and also spends time in Los Angeles. Their separate home bases were a factor in the challenges they faced as a couple.
While the chapter on Kelsea and Chase’s love story has closed, fans will continue to follow their journeys, both personal and professional. Sometimes, a simple act of care—like applying LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask EX – Berry before bed—can help make new beginnings just a little bit softer.