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If you’ve been refreshing your feed every five seconds wondering if country’s golden girl and the Outer Banks heartthrob actually called it quits, you aren't alone. The internet has been a total mess of "are they or aren't they" for months.
Honestly? It's been a rollercoaster. One minute they’re the blueprint for a happy Hollywood couple, and the next, there are rumors of blocks, cryptic Instagram stories, and a "confirmed" split that had fans mourning in the comments. But as of January 2026, we finally have a straight answer.
Yes. Kelsea Ballerini is still dating Chase Stokes. They didn't just stay together through the chaos; they basically had to burn the old version of their relationship down to build something that actually worked. After a very public, very messy 2025, they’ve officially hit the reset button.
The Breakup That Actually Happened (And Why)
Let’s be real: things got ugly for a minute there. In September 2025, a rep for Kelsea confirmed to PEOPLE that the two had split after nearly three years. It wasn't just a "taking a break" situation—it looked final.
The pressure of being a power couple is heavy. You’ve got Kelsea touring the world and Chase filming the final season of Outer Banks. Long distance is a nightmare even when you aren't famous. Throw in the constant media scrutiny, and it's easy to see why the foundation started to crack.
Insiders say the split was triggered by a mix of "rocky communication" and the sheer exhaustion of living out their romance in front of millions. By November, things looked even worse. Chase posted some pretty alarming stuff on his Instagram Stories, claiming he was "blocked" and telling fans, "I did nothing wrong. Sorry, I tried."
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It felt like the end of an era.
The New Year’s Eve "Hard Launch" 2.0
Just when everyone was ready to move on, the couple pulled the ultimate 180. On December 31, 2025, they didn't just hint at a reconciliation—they confirmed it with some of the most vulnerable posts we've seen from them yet.
Chase shared a series of photos, including a blurry, intimate shot of them embracing on a porch. His caption wasn't just some PR-friendly fluff. He talked about taking accountability, learning from mistakes, and not taking "the most beautiful things" for granted. He basically called 2026 his "year of truth."
Kelsea followed up with her own story, and she didn't hold back about how difficult the previous year had been. She called 2025 a "messy year for the heart" and admitted the public portrayal of their relationship had spiraled out of her hands.
"I really love love," she wrote. "I believe in it, I believe in him, and I believe in breaking patterns."
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Her final words to the speculators? "Now go kiss your person and stop speculating."
Why This Time Feels Different
Usually, when celebs break up and get back together, it's a countdown until the next drama. But there’s a different energy here.
For one, Chase has been incredibly open about his mental health journey. He recently told People he's in therapy every week, working on setting boundaries and realizing he’s "not just a zoo animal." He even shaved his signature "John B" hair—a buzz cut that signaled he’s done with the "floppy-haired beach boy" image and ready for adulthood.
Kelsea is also moving differently. She’s been vocal about "protecting her peace" and has signaled that she’s done sharing every detail of her private life. She’s focusing on her Patterns tour and her new music, like the Mount Pleasant EP, which honestly gives a lot of insight into the "trust issues" and "patterns" she alluded to in her New Year’s post.
What the "Inner Circle" is Saying
- Intentionality: They aren't just "dating" again; they are rebuilding.
- Privacy: Expect fewer red carpets and more quiet moments. They want to avoid the "outside noise."
- Accountability: Both have reportedly acknowledged where they failed each other in 2025.
The "Soulmate" Factor
Despite the 2025 breakup, Kelsea has reportedly referred to Chase as her soulmate to friends. It’s a big word, especially after her highly publicized divorce from Morgan Evans.
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When they first started dating in early 2023—after she famously slid into his DMs—it felt like a rebound to some. But three years and one major breakup later, it’s clear this is more than just a passing thing. They’ve survived the "messy" phase and are choosing to stay.
What’s Next for Kelsea and Chase?
As we move through 2026, the couple is clearly prioritizing their careers while keeping their relationship on a more "need-to-know" basis.
Kelsea is gearing up for a massive year of touring, including headlining the Barefoot Country Music Fest in June. Meanwhile, Chase is closing the chapter on Outer Banks and looking for more "Robert Pattinson-style" creative risks in his acting career.
If you’re looking for evidence of their status, don't expect a daily play-by-play anymore. They’ve made it clear: if the news doesn't come directly from them, don't believe it. They are "breaking patterns," which in Hollywood usually means choosing sanity over clicks.
To keep up with them without falling for the tabloid traps, your best bet is to stick to their official social channels. Look for the small details—the dog tags, the background of photos, or the occasional supportive comment on a post. They’re still together, but they’re finally doing it on their own terms.
Keep an eye on Kelsea’s tour dates for 2026 if you want to see if Chase makes a "sideline" appearance—he’s still her biggest fan, even if he’s doing it from the shadows now.