Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes are “officially back together” after a year full of ups and downs.
“This time, they’re moving much more carefully and intentionally,” a source told Us Weekly exclusively. “After a very messy breakup, they took real time apart to figure out what they actually wanted.”
The insider told Us that the couple “had a very honest talk,” which Stokes, 33, initiated.
“The way things left off left them both heartbroken and Chase wanted to clear the air,” the source explained. “They took accountability on both sides, and took time to understand what went wrong the first time.”
Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes ‘Never Really Stopped’ Talking After Split
The conversation between Ballerini, 32, and Stokes “actually reminded them why they connected in the first place,” the insider added. Going forward, the couple are planning “keeping things more private” going forward.
“They want to protect what they’re rebuilding and avoid outside noise or pressure,” the source continued. “It’s still early, but they are rebuilding trust and better communication. They are hopeful their relationship will work in a healthier way than before.”
Ballerini feels like Stokes “is her soulmate” and their inner circle is “really happy” that they reconnected.
“She lights up when talking about him,” the source added of the country singer. “They are all hopeful it will work out this time around.”
Ballerini moved on with Stokes in January 2023, following her divorce from fellow musician Morgan Evans. (Ballerini and Evans signed a divorce agreement in November 2022, after separating earlier that year.)
Us confirmed in September 2025 that Ballerini and Chase had split after more than two years together. They briefly reconciled before breaking up again in November 2025.
“It’s done,” a separate source told Us at the time, noting that things had been “so rocky and toxic” between them. “It was too much for Kelsea,” who “had a lot of trust issues,” the second insider shared. “There’s a chance they could get back together.”
Stokes subsequently went on Instagram to claim the “I Sit in Parks” singer had blocked him on the app. “Don’t believe the media,” he wrote at the time. “I’m blocked, I did nothing wrong.”
Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes’ Relationship Timeline
On the final day of December 2025, Ballerini and Stokes confirmed that their relationship was back on. They celebrated the new year by sharing similar social media posts cementing their love.
“Messy year for the heart, messy year for the outside coming in, messy year for the way it became an out of our hands portrayal of it,” Ballerini captioned an Instagram Story. “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. Now go kiss your person and stop speculating.”
Ballerini posted a photo alongside the caption which featured her and Stokes’ silhouettes kissing. Stokes shared his own version of the same photo with a similar sentiment.
“Something I’ve learned this year: don’t take advantage of the most beautiful things that in 33 years of life are fleeting,” he captioned a social media post. “Take accountability, learn from mistakes. Lean into love and say it often. 2026 my year of growth, my year of truth. Starting here, starting now. Happy new years.”
