Michael Buckner/Variety
Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes have officially parted ways once more. The couple’s second attempt at a relationship has reportedly come to an end just five weeks after they publicly reconciled during the New Year’s holiday.
The news of the split was initially reported by TMZ and subsequently confirmed by People on Sunday, Feb. 9. However, eagle-eyed fans had already suspected trouble in paradise after Ballerini scrubbed her Instagram profile of photos featuring the Outer Banks star. The country artist also appears to have unfollowed Stokes on the platform.
Representatives for both Ballerini and Stokes have been contacted for comment regarding the dissolution of their relationship.
The pair has navigated a tumultuous few months. After nearly three years of dating, they initially called it quits in September—a move that surprised many, given that Stokes had shared a sentimental birthday tribute to Ballerini just days prior. By New Year’s Eve, however, the duo appeared to be back on track.
During their brief reconciliation, Stokes shared a post reflecting on the lessons of the past year, urging followers to “lean into love” and “take accountability.” Ballerini mirrored those sentiments in a since-deleted post, acknowledging a “messy year for the heart” but expressing her continued belief in “breaking patterns” and her love for Stokes.
The timing of this latest breakup is particularly unexpected, as Ballerini spoke candidly about her commitment to the relationship during the Grammy Awards on Feb. 1. While walking the red carpet, she told Entertainment Tonight that she believed in “finding the things that make you happy” and working through challenges when “the rubber meets the road.”
“It looked a lot more dramatic than it was,” she remarked at the time, referring to their initial September split. “I love him so much. We’ve been together for quite a while now and done a lot of life together.”
On the professional front, Ballerini continues to see success. Her latest project, the Mount Pleasant EP released in November 2025, debuted at No. 68 on the Billboard 200, marking her eighth appearance on the prestigious chart.
