Chase Stokes, famed Outer Banks actor, and Kelsea Ballerini, popular country artist, are back in the rumor mill for a third time in their three-year-long relationship, but this time, it may not just be a rumor.
The pair announced they were dating in Jan. 2023 with an Instagram post. They attended the Georgia vs. TCU Game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California and shared a cuddly photo together, sparking whispers of a romance. Since that post, Stokes has been seen at countless concerts, singing along with every one of Ballerini’s songs.
In 2024, Ballerini even wrote an album, “PATTERNS,” dedicated to “the nuance” of falling in love with Stokes, as she told Women’s Health.
Two days before break-up rumors reached the internet, Stokes celebrated Ballerini’s 32nd birthday with a seemingly all-loving Instagram post.
The caption read, “Although you keep saying you’re not excited for 32, I’d say I’m looking forward to more of this. Happy birthday my love ❤️”
The split was announced September 14, 2025 by one of Ballerini’s representatives.
The source told PEOPLE, “They’re two adults who gave it their all and tried to do everything they could to make it work, but ultimately couldn’t. It happens.”
After the news spread on social media, fans took directly to Stokes’ birthday post.
@britt_taraa commented, “How did they go from this to breaking up? News just broke 😭”
Another comment from @kelseylwright read, “SOMEONE PLEASE CLEAR THE AIR. 😭 Posted two days ago- but then People Magazine just say they split? 🥺😭 My heart cannot handle.”
Many fans were surprised by the news because they were expecting something else: an engagement.
@djkadie commented under Stoke’s birthday post, “Is it possible that these two aren’t dating anymore…because they’re ENGAGED? Just throwing it out there 🤷♀️”
Before the news of a breakup was released fans were making comments matching this one from @ryleewaye, “Kelsea Stokes sounds good this year? 🤪💍”
In the past, the couple was very open about their relationship status, highlighting the importance of counseling and separation. In a 2021 interview with PEOPLE magazine, Ballerini said, “Now my version of love that I’ve found, it’s steady and it’s human, and we work on it. That, to me, honestly, is the sexiest thing, like, ‘Hey, you want to go to therapy? Let’s go to therapy.’ Being so down with your person to put in the work for each other and individually, it’s a very new kind of love for me.”
Although it left fans in disarray, perhaps Ballerini will release a new album following the breakup, just as she released “Rolling Up the Welcome Mat” when she divorced from Morgan Evans in 2022. Perhaps a new album can be the good in a tough situation.