Ballerini Asks for Privacy After Split

Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes confirmed their breakup after nearly three years together; reps have verified the split and the pair went public in 2023. Multiple insiders say Ballerini initiated the breakup, telling friends she is still coming out of her 2022 divorce and not in a place to “settle.” Sources say the relationship suffered from frequent arguments, poor communication and heavy travel, and that they tried to make it work before mutually deciding they were not aligned long term. On Sept. 24, Ballerini posted a TikTok asking “speculators,” paparazzi and unnamed sources to leave them alone after fans noted social‑media changes and swirling rumors, including reports of jealousy. Stokes had appeared affectionate days earlier when he posted a birthday tribute for Ballerini; both have otherwise remained mostly private about the split.