Kelsea Ballerini, the acclaimed country music star, has captivated audiences not only with her chart-topping hits but also with her candid approach to her personal life and romantic journey. From a high-profile marriage within the country music scene to a blossoming relationship with a Hollywood actor, Ballerini's love story has unfolded publicly, marked by significant milestones and personal growth.
Ballerini's most significant public relationship began with Australian country singer Morgan Evans. The two first crossed paths in March 2016 while co-hosting Australia's Country Music Channel Awards. Their connection was immediate, with Ballerini recalling Evans' gentlemanly approach and her instant attraction to him. Their romance quickly blossomed, leading to an engagement in December 2016.
The couple tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, in December 2017. Their marriage was often highlighted in the media as a country music fairy tale, with both artists frequently sharing glimpses of their life together and supporting each other's careers. They often spoke of their future, including aspirations for a family, and even collaborated on music, such as Evans' song "Dance with Me."
Despite the public perception of a strong union, the marriage faced private struggles. Ballerini later revealed that there were "fundamental differences" regarding their future and that they had undergone "years of couples therapy." In August 2022, after nearly five years of marriage, Ballerini announced their divorce, stating, "This is now public record, so I wanted to be the first to tell you that I am going through a divorce." The split was finalized in November 2022.
The period following her divorce was one of significant reflection and personal expression for Ballerini. She candidly discussed the complexities of the separation, including public statements from Evans that implied he was blindsided by the divorce. Ballerini addressed these narratives on the Call Her Daddy podcast and through her short film and EP, Rolling Up the Welcome Mat, where she explored themes of heartbreak, self-discovery, and the mutual unfaithfulness she acknowledged within the marriage, without explicitly naming individuals.
During this time, a notable non-romantic public interaction occurred when Ballerini bid on a charity date with reality TV personality Craig Conover of Southern Charm. While she won the bid, Ballerini clarified that she never actually went on the date, instead giving it away as a prize to a radio station. This incident was a lighthearted moment that underscored her single status post-divorce.
As December 2022 approached, Ballerini was ready to open herself up to new connections. She made the first move, sliding into the Instagram DMs of Outer Banks actor Chase Stokes. Despite never having watched his show, she was intrigued and decided to "swan dive right on in." Their initial conversations quickly led to texting and FaceTiming, building a connection before they met in person.
Ballerini and Stokes' relationship quickly became a topic of public interest. They were first spotted together in January 2023 at a football game. Stokes publicly confirmed their relationship during an appearance on TODAY in March 2023, calling Ballerini a "sweet girl." They made their red carpet debut as a couple at the CMT Music Awards in April 2023, where Ballerini was co-hosting, solidifying their status as a new power couple.
Their relationship has continued to flourish, with both Ballerini and Stokes openly sharing glimpses of their life together on social media and in interviews. They have attended major events like the Met Gala together, showcasing their affectionate bond. Ballerini has often spoken about the security and thoughtfulness she feels with Stokes, highlighting his supportive nature and their shared sense of fun. Their romance represents a new chapter for Ballerini, one marked by public happiness and a seemingly effortless connection following a period of personal upheaval.