NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Country music star Kelsea Ballerini and actor Chase Stokes have ended their relationship for the second time in recent months, according to sources close to the couple. The split, which occurred this past week, marks the end of a brief reconciliation that had fans hoping for a lasting reunion. Us Weekly confirmed the breakup, citing ongoing issues that proved too much for the pair to overcome.
The 32-year-old Grammy nominee and the 33-year-old star of Netflix's Outer Banks first began dating in January 2023, sparking a romance that blended country music and Hollywood glamour. Throughout their two-year on-again, off-again relationship, Stokes was a visible supporter at Ballerini's concerts and award shows, including the Country Music Association Awards. However, behind the scenes, tensions had been building, leading to their most recent separation.
"It’s done," a source close to the former couple told Us Weekly exclusively. The insider described the dynamic between Ballerini and Stokes as "so rocky and toxic," adding that "it was too much for Kelsea." Jealousy emerged as a significant factor, with the source noting that Ballerini "had a lot of trust issues" stemming from her previous marriage to fellow country singer Morgan Evans.
Ballerini and Evans, now 40, finalized their divorce settlement in November 2022 after separating earlier that year. The emotional aftermath of that high-profile split has lingered, making it "been hard for her to trust again," according to the source. Despite these challenges, Ballerini "of course cares" about Stokes, but the couple faced "a lot of expectations" amid her demanding tour schedule and his filming commitments.
"Chase really did try to make it work and loves her," the insider explained, though the exes "aren’t talking right now." While the breakup appears final for the moment, the source left a sliver of possibility open, saying, "There’s a chance they could get back together," but emphasized that they are currently "taking space."
The couple's history is one of turbulence. Their first breakup came in September 2024, just days after Stokes publicly celebrated Ballerini's birthday on social media. On September 20, he posted a loving tribute, calling her his "love" and sharing photos from their time together. Yet, shortly after, sources revealed the relationship had soured due to frequent arguments and communication breakdowns.
"It was a hard split," another source told Us Weekly at the time. "They had been arguing a lot recently, and their communication wasn’t great in the last month. They were both traveling so much and trying to juggle everything, and the arguments piled up." Ballerini reportedly initiated the separation, as conflicts over their hectic lifestyles mounted.
The split didn't last long. By October, the pair were spotted rekindling their romance during a trip to Scotland. Eyewitness Gemma Kennedy shared her observations with Us Weekly, describing the couple as "very much loved-up and holding hands at the bar." Kennedy's account painted a picture of affection, with the two appearing inseparable during their European getaway.
Following Scotland, Ballerini joined Stokes in Croatia in early November, where he was on location filming the final season of Outer Banks. On November 10, Us Weekly confirmed they were "giving their relationship another try." "There’s still a lot of love there, so they fell back into it very naturally," the source said, adding that the pair "never really stopped being in touch after their brief split."
Publicly, the reconciliation remained low-key. Ballerini and Stokes never issued a joint statement about getting back together, but fans speculated based on social media hints and sightings. However, questions arose when Ballerini attended the 2025 CMA Awards on November 19 without Stokes by her side. The event, held in Nashville, showcased her performance of recent hits, but the absence of her partner fueled rumors of trouble.
The following day, November 20, Stokes added to the speculation with a series of cryptic Instagram Stories. "Don’t believe the media. I’m blocked, I did nothing wrong. Sorry. I tried," he wrote in one post. Fans quickly noticed that Ballerini and Stokes had unfollowed each other on Instagram that same day, a digital sign often interpreted as the end of a relationship.
Stokes continued with more reflective messages: "I’m sorry for those who believed in us. It is what it is. Onwards and upwards." These posts, viewed by millions of his followers, suggested heartbreak and frustration, though he did not name Ballerini directly. The timing aligned closely with reports of their latest split, which sources say happened just days earlier.
Representatives for both Ballerini and Stokes could not be reached for comment as of press time. In the absence of official statements, the insider accounts provide the most detailed picture of what led to the breakup. Ballerini's busy career, including her ongoing tour and preparations for new music, has been a recurring strain, while Stokes balances acting roles and public appearances.
This isn't the first time celebrity couples in the music and entertainment worlds have navigated similar ups and downs. Ballerini's divorce from Evans was equally public, with both artists addressing it through songs—Ballerini with her album Subject to Change and Evans with Life Upside Down. Fans have followed her journey closely, often drawing parallels between her personal life and her lyrics about love and heartbreak.
Looking ahead, the source's mention of a potential reconciliation leaves room for speculation, but for now, both appear focused on their professional lives. Ballerini is expected to continue promoting her work in country music, while Stokes wraps up Outer Banks and eyes future projects. Their story, marked by passion and pitfalls, underscores the challenges of blending high-profile careers with personal relationships in the spotlight.
As the dust settles on this latest chapter, observers in Nashville and Los Angeles alike will watch to see if distance brings clarity or closure. For a couple once seen as a perfect match across genres, the road forward remains uncertain.