Behind the previous couple’s fastidiously curated on-line picture, sources reveal that envy finally led to the breakdown of their almost three-year relationship.
Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes first confirmed their romance in April 2023 once they made their pink carpet debut collectively on the CMT Music Awards.
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Kelsea Ballerini And Chase Stokes’ Romance Was Unraveling Behind The Scenes
The nation star had publicly instructed that their reverse schedules had been accountable for why the 2 had been not often noticed collectively, pointing to his busy filming season with Outer Banks.
However behind the scenes, issues weren’t almost as harmonious. Insiders revealed the connection began off sturdy however rapidly shifted when Stokes grew more and more suspicious of Ballerini’s independence. Within the supply’s phrases:
“Chase began getting jealous over each little factor. Each time she could be doing her personal factor, he’d suppose she was flirting or as much as no good.”
The supply added that whereas Ballerini needed enjoyable and a future, “they simply would fall into disagreements after which his jealousy would kick in.”
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The Day by day Mail reported that Ballerini’s profession trajectory, usually in comparison with Taylor Swift’s, could have fueled his insecurities. Finally, each determined it was higher to stroll away than proceed preventing.
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The Former Couple’s Image-Good Romance Confirmed Cracks Earlier than The Cut up

On social media, there was nothing however affection and moments that had followers satisfied they had been the actual deal. However the silence got here rapidly. After celebrating an anniversary, the regular stream of couple posts instantly stopped, sparking on-line hypothesis.
Opinion items lit up with questions, whereas others dissected Ballerini’s discuss “discovering peace” and her Paris journey, questioning in the event that they had been indicators of a breakup.
Some believed they had been merely “on the rocks.” Nonetheless, the pair pushed again on the gossip once they appeared collectively on the Academy of Nation Music Awards in Could, trying as shut as ever.
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By July, although, Ballerini admitted issues had shifted. Chatting with Us Weekly, she confirmed the connection was intact however hinted that change was unavoidable. “I believe we’re two and a half years in, so it appears to be like loads completely different now than it did to start with.”
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The Lovebirds Cut up Days After The Actor’s Birthday Tribute To The Singer

The duo spent months leaning into PDA-filled picture dumps to close down discuss that they had been drifting aside. The Blast famous that Stokes even shared a heartfelt Instagram publish for Ballerini’s thirty second birthday on September 12, 2025, writing:
“Though you retain saying you are not excited for 32, I might say I am trying ahead to extra of this. Blissful birthday, my love.”
However the public declarations weren’t sufficient to avoid wasting them. Lower than two days later, the couple referred to as it quits, ending their almost three-year relationship.
A consultant for Ballerini confirmed the breakup to PEOPLE, who shared that regardless of their efforts, the 2 determined to stroll away. What as soon as appeared picture-perfect had reached its finish, leaving the general public shocked that they might not make it work after such a really public present of affection.
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Kelsea Ballerini As soon as Referred to as The ‘Outer Banks’ Star Her ‘Labrador Retriever Match’

Ballerini and Stokes could have not too long ago gone their separate methods, however simply two years in the past, the “Peter Pan” singer couldn’t cease praising their bond. Again in 2023, she lit up when requested about their romance, describing him as somebody who made her really feel each proud and safe.
The Blast highlighted how overtly she spoke about their relationship throughout that point, exhibiting a softer aspect of herself. In a Stylecaster cowl story revealed on July 10, 2023, the nation artist defined that sharing love publicly felt pure when it got here to Stokes.
She mentioned their personalities meshed simply, crediting their comparable Virgo traits and joking that they had been like “Labrador Retrievers in human kind,” with a pure understanding of one another.
The Songwriter Reduce Ties With Ex Morgan Evans Earlier than Going Public With Chase Stokes

Ballerini didn’t simply step into her new romance with Stokes quietly; she made a daring transfer by reducing digital ties along with her ex-husband. The Blast notes that shortly after confirming her relationship with Stokes in 2023, Ballerini unfollowed Evans on Instagram, signaling a contemporary begin.
Her divorce from Evans, finalized in November 2022, ended a five-year marriage. Courtroom paperwork present the pair had a prenup in place, and so they agreed to separate their belongings evenly, together with their Nashville property.
The breakup was not with out drama. Simply earlier than she confirmed issues with Stokes, Ballerini spoke on the “Name Her Daddy” podcast, expressing her anger over Evans’ monitor “Over for You.” She claimed the music painted her because the villain whereas he walked away with half their shared dwelling.