They gave it a real shot, but after nearly three years, Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes have decided it’s time to step away.
Kelsea Ballerini (Credit: John Russo)
Kelsea Ballerini and Outer Banks actor Chase Stokes have reportedly called it quits after nearly three years together. The breakup, confirmed by Ballerini’s rep to People this week, came as a surprise to fans, especially given the pair’s recent displays of affection on social media.
Though neither has made a public statement at the time of writing, sources close to the couple describe the decision as mature and mutual. According to insiders, the breakup wasn’t the result of scandal or bad blood, but rather the increasingly familiar challenge of navigating a relationship under the weight of demanding careers, long-distance travel, and the very public nature of their lives.
Ballerini and Stokes had become something of a fan favourite couple over the past few years. Together, they gave off an effortlessly cool, in-it-together energy that resonated with fans of both the musician and actor.
By all accounts, the two genuinely tried to make it work. Reports suggest they prioritised communication and remained committed to growing both as individuals and as partners. This wasn’t a whirlwind romance that flamed out, it was one that evolved over nearly three years and, eventually, ran its course.
Still, the timing of the news raised eyebrows. Just days before the split was made public, Stokes posted a heartfelt birthday tribute to Ballerini on Instagram, sharing sweet photos and captioning the post “happy birthday my love ❤️”.
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Ballerini’s heartfelt ballad To The Men That Love Women After Heartbreak is a gentle, emotionally mature thank you to the kind of love that shows up after the wreckage. While she never name-dropped him, fans widely interpreted the song as a tribute to Stokes, who entered Ballerini’s life in the aftermath of her public divorce and helped her rediscover softness, safety, and trust.
The lyrics speak to being held “without fixing,” and loving “without questions,” a clear contrast to the pain that came before and a quiet acknowledgment of what Stokes gave her during a healing chapter. With news of their split, the song now feels like a time capsule of that particular kind of love: brief, brave, and beautifully timed.
What happens next remains to be seen. It’s possible that either one of them may speak out in the coming weeks. For now, though, it seems like both are choosing the quiet, graceful exit with no drama, just two people who cared deeply for each other and realised it was time to move on.