News Summary
Chase Stokes and Kelsea Ballerini have officially confirmed their romantic relationship after months of speculation. The couple made their red carpet debut at the CMT Music Awards and has been seen together at various events. Stokes previously dated Madelyn Cline, while Ballerini finalized her divorce from Morgan Evans. The two are reportedly cohabitating and are considering collaborating on music together, marking a new chapter in their lives amidst their previous romances.
Los Angeles – Chase Stokes and Kelsea Ballerini have confirmed their romantic relationship, marking a new chapter for both stars following Stokes’ dramatic relationship history with former girlfriend Madelyn Cline. The revelation comes after several months of speculation regarding their connection.
The couple has been seen together at high-profile events, including the College Football National Championship Game and a brunch in Beverly Hills. Stokes initially hinted at their relationship by posting a photo with Ballerini on his Instagram Story on February 23, 2024. The romance was further confirmed during his appearance on The Today Show in early March 2024.
Ballerini, a well-known country music artist, finalized her divorce from Morgan Evans in November 2022. Following her divorce, she had remained in the public eye, navigating her personal life while focusing on her music career. She and Stokes made their red carpet debut as a couple at the 2023 CMT Music Awards, where they showcased their support for one another. Stokes and Ballerini’s social media activity has also illustrated their bond, with Ballerini sharing a love letter from Stokes and both celebrating each other’s birthdays.
As their relationship progressed, Stokes and Ballerini became more serious, cohabitating as of October 2024. Not only have they supported each other’s professional endeavors, but they have also discussed potential collaboration on music projects, with Ballerini expressing interest in working on a song with Stokes.
The backdrop to Stokes’ new romance is his previous relationship with Madelyn Cline, his co-star from Netflix’s Outer Banks. Stokes and Cline portrayed characters from two different social classes—a Pogue named John B Rutledge and a Kook named Sarah Cameron—when the show premiered in April 2020. Their on-screen chemistry translated into real-life romance as they confirmed their relationship publicly in June 2020. However, the couple’s off-screen love story faced challenges, culminating in their breakup in November 2021, shortly after the release of Outer Banks Season 2. Cline later described the breakup as difficult, emphasizing the pressures associated with a high-profile relationship.
Despite their personal split, Stokes and Cline have maintained a professional relationship while working together on Outer Banks. Stokes previously indicated that they mutually agreed to prioritize their work above their personal lives. Following their separation, Cline reportedly dated several notable figures, including Ross Butler and Jackson Guthy, and confirmed a relationship with Guthy in December 2022. By July 2025, Cline announced she was single.
Stokes’ relationship with Ballerini marks a new beginning for both parties after navigating the complexities of their previous romances. With Stokes and Ballerini having celebrated significant milestones together, their connection appears to be thriving, indicating a promising future for the couple.
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Additional Resources
- Betches: Madelyn Cline Dating History
- Elle: Chase Stokes & Kelsea Ballerini Relationship Timeline
- People: Madelyn Cline on Chase Stokes Breakup
- Cosmopolitan: Madelyn Cline Dating History
- AOL: Chase Stokes & Kelsea Ballerini
- Wikipedia: Chase Stokes
- Wikipedia: Kelsea Ballerini
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Madelyn Cline
- Google Search: Chase Stokes Madelyn Cline
- Google News: Chase Stokes Kelsea Ballerini
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
