Country singer Kelsea Ballerini and actor Chase Stokes, who first sparked romance rumors in early 2023, have officially rekindled their relationship as 2026 gets underway. After weathering a difficult and highly publicized 2025 that included a confirmed breakup in September and mixed signals in late autumn, the pair took to social media on New Year’s Eve to announce they are back together.
Stokes, known for his role on the Netflix series Outer Banks, shared a series of intimate photos with Ballerini on Instagram alongside a heartfelt caption. He wrote about lessons learned over the past year, highlighting the importance of personal growth, accountability, and not taking meaningful relationships for granted. He framed 2026 as his “year of truth,” a fresh start guided by love and self‑reflection.
Ballerini echoed similar sentiments in her own social media messages. She described the last year as emotionally complex, both privately and in the face of public scrutiny. Despite the challenges, she made it clear that she still believes in love and is committed to breaking unhealthy patterns. Her posts encouraged fans to focus on their own relationships and to stop speculating about her personal life.
Their reconciliation closes a tumultuous chapter in a romance that once appeared promising but was strained by the pressures of long‑distance careers and constant media attention. Both stars asked for greater privacy moving forward, stating that updates about their relationship should come directly from them if at all.
As they embark on this new phase together, Ballerini continues her strong presence in the music world, while Stokes balances his acting career with newfound clarity about his personal priorities.