It looks like love has found its way back into the spotlight, as Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes Rekindle Their Romance heading into 2026. After quietly ending their relationship in September following three years together, the singer and actor appear to be giving love another chance — and they’re welcoming the new year with reflection, honesty, and renewed hope.
A New Year, A Fresh Perspective on Love
On New Year’s Eve, Chase Stokes shared a heartfelt Instagram post alongside cozy photos of himself with Kelsea Ballerini. In his caption, the actor reflected on growth, accountability, and not taking meaningful moments for granted. He spoke candidly about learning from mistakes, leaning into love, and embracing 2026 as a year of truth and personal evolution.
Ballerini echoed those sentiments in her own way. Posting to her Instagram Stories, the country star described the past year as “messy for the heart,” shaped by outside noise and circumstances beyond her control. Still, she made one thing clear: she believes deeply in love, in him, and in breaking old patterns. She punctuated her message with a gentle reminder to fans to focus on their own relationships rather than speculating about hers.
From a DM to the Red Carpet — And Back Again
The “Emerald City” singer and the Outer Banks star first crossed paths in 2022 after Ballerini introduced herself to Stokes via a direct message. Their connection quickly grew, and by 2023, they made things official, even stepping onto the CMT Awards red carpet together.
Despite their public profiles, Ballerini has recently emphasized the importance of privacy. Earlier this month, she told fans she’s working to keep her personal life just that — personal — explaining that protecting her peace is her top priority unless news comes directly from her.
Music, Growth, and Moving Forward
While her love life draws attention, Ballerini has continued to channel emotion into her music. Her latest six-song EP, Mount Pleasant, dropped in November via Black River Entertainment, following her 2024 full-length album Patterns, which topped Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart.
As 2026 begins, Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes Rekindle Their Romance not with flashy announcements, but with introspection and authenticity — a reminder that sometimes, the most meaningful new beginnings come quietly, grounded in growth and hope.
