Jan. 1, 2026, 3:30 p.m. ET
Chase Stokes and Kelsea Ballerini are back together and putting the rumors to rest.
After what Ballerini called a “messy year for the heart” on her Instagram story, the couple confirmed they rekindled their romance in a pair of Dec. 31 posts. The “Outer Banks” actor posted a romantic sunset shot of him and the “Baggage” singer, writing that he’s declaring 2026 a “year of growth” and “truth.”
“Something I’ve learned this year: don’t take advantage of the most beautiful things that in 33 years of life are fleeting. Take accountability, learn from mistakes,” Stokes posted. “Lean into love and say it often.”
Chase Stokes and Kelsea Ballerini confirm they’re back together
Ballerini and Stokes were first linked in January 2023, after the pair started messaging on social media. They made their red carpet debut at the CMT Music Awards in April 2023. Ballerini previously joked the pair “can’t break up” because of their matching tattoos, the singer said on an appearance on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast in November 2023.
Then, after nearly three years together, they confirmed their split in September 2025.
In late November, Stokes shared a series of cryptic Instagram posts suggesting Ballerini had blocked him.
“Don’t believe the media,” he wrote on his Instagram story Nov. 20. “I’m blocked, I did nothing wrong.” He added, “Sorry. I tried,” with a red heart emoji. On another slide, Stokes then wrote, “I’m sorry for those who believed in us. It is what it is.”
Now, Ballerini is confirming there’s reason for fans to have faith in the pair again, encouraging them to “go kiss your person and stop speculating.”
“But what I’ll say, and all I really care to share indefinitely with my personal life anymore, is that I really love love. I believe in it, I believe in him, and I believe in breaking patterns.”
USA TODAY has reached out to Stokes’ and Ballerini’s reps for comment.
Contributing: Anika Reed
