Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes Confirm Third Breakup
Country music star Kelsea Ballerini and Outer Banks actor Chase Stokes have officially ended their relationship for the third time, according to sources close to the couple. The split comes just over a month after the pair appeared to have reconciled, marking another chapter in their on-again, off-again romance that has captivated fans since 2022.
Recent Developments and Social Media Clues
The 32-year-old singer walked the red carpet solo at the 2026 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles over the weekend, notably without Stokes by her side. This followed a surprising development earlier in the week when Ballerini shared a lighthearted selfie on Instagram with Madelyn Cline, Stokes' ex-girlfriend from 2020-2021. In the partially concealed photo, both women appeared with their hair in messy buns while sharing a laugh, suggesting no lingering animosity between them.
Sources speaking to TMZ on Friday revealed that the couple's romance had simply "run its course," though no specific reason for the latest breakup has been confirmed. This pattern of reconciliation and separation has become characteristic of their relationship, which first became public in late 2022 when they were spotted together at a college football game at SoFi Stadium in January 2023.
A Tumultuous Relationship Timeline
The couple's relationship has experienced multiple phases of connection and disconnection:
- April 2023: Made their red carpet debut as a couple at the CMT Awards
- April 2025: Ballerini described Stokes as a "new kind of love" in an interview with People, emphasizing their commitment to therapy and personal growth
- September 2025: First official breakup after three years together, with sources citing that they "gave it their all" but couldn't make it work
- Late 2025: Brief reconciliation followed by another split in November
- December 2025: Apparent reconciliation before the new year, with both sharing reflective social media posts about love and growth
Musical References and Public Speculation
In November 2025, Ballerini released her EP Mount Pleasant, which sparked fan speculation that the track "Emerald City" contained references to Stokes' previous relationship with Madelyn Cline. Lyrics including "Always liked the color of my eyes 'til I knew she had brown I'm green" and "I'm just a girl, kinda jealous, kinda insecure" were interpreted by some as addressing the dynamic between the women.
When social media users commented on these interpretations, Stokes came to Ballerini's defense, writing: "These comments are f***ing weird. Grow up." Ballerini herself addressed public speculation in a New Year's Instagram story, stating: "I really love love. I believe in it, I believe in him, and I believe in breaking patterns. Now go kiss your person and stop speculating."
Public Appearances and Future Uncertain
The contrast between their 2025 and 2026 Grammy appearances highlights the relationship's volatility. Last year, the couple cozied up together for photos at the awards ceremony, while this year Ballerini attended alone in a sparkling gown. Their most recent social media posts suggested optimism for 2026, with Stokes writing about "leaning into love" and Ballerini reflecting on a "messy year for the heart."
With Ballerini and Cline's recent friendly interaction and the couple's history of reconciliation, the future of Ballerini and Stokes' relationship remains uncertain. The pattern of breakups and reunitions suggests that while their romance has officially ended for now, the door may not be completely closed on this high-profile celebrity pairing.
