This past year has completely changed the course of Kelsea Ballerini’s music career. Not only that, but after her relationship with Outer Banks star Chase Stokes went public, she’s basically everywhere now. The mutual support between Ballerini and Stokes juxtaposes her past marriage with Morgan Evans, and opens a new chapter of happiness for both stars.
In light of Ballerini’s pop-leaning influences, unapologetic support of the LGBTQ+ community, and split from Evans, the country music community that she comes from seems to ostracize her. However, her February 2023 EP Rolling Up The Welcome Mat has transformed her into a mainstream sensation. Along with its accompanying short film, it earned her critical acclaim across the board.
Rolling Up The Welcome Mat has even caught the attention of the VMAs, who added her to the star-studded roster of performers this year. This will mark her first-ever performance at the award show. The ceremony is happening today, so we have so much to look forward to. While you anticipate those cute red carpet pictures of the happy couple, let’s take a little trip down memory lane and look at their relationship timeline!
JANUARY 2023: THE COUPLE SOFT LAUNCHES AND THE DATING RUMORS START.
After Ballerini headlined a tailgate show for the National College Football Playoffs, Stokes tagged her in an Instagram post from the game. Fans held suspicions that this meant they were dating, and that seemed to spiral out of control through outlets like DeuxMoi. Then, Ballerini condemned this type of speculative activity on TikTok, where she warned, “Let’s not do this.”
JANuary and FEBruary 2023: THE COUPLE IS SPOTTED IN PUBLIC.
Over the next few weeks, Ballerini and Stokes were spotted a few times in Nashville and Los Angeles, and things seemed quite a bit more than platonic. In interviews with TMZ and People, Stokes described Ballerini as “sweet” and “lovely.” “We’re having a good time, and that’s all I’ll say,” he added.
FEB. 14, 2023: STOKES IS HERE FOR BALLERINI’S NEW MUSIC.
On Valentine’s Day, Ballerini released the dark, reflective Rolling Up The Welcome Mat and its accompanying short film. This quickly became a landmark moment of her career. It introduced a new wave of fans to Ballerini, including many who don’t typically listen to country music, particularly through the heart-wrenching, TikTok-viral track “Penthouse.”
From this day onwards, Stokes never shied away from publicly cheering on Ballerini. “SO proud of you, your heart & your beautiful soul. Congrats Kels,” he wrote on his Instagram story on release day.
When the EP landed her a spot as Saturday Night Live’s musical guest, he had the cutest reaction. “I mean, she’s the best,” he told Entertainment Tonight. “I’m so excited for her and everything happening in her career right now.” Honestly, I couldn’t agree more.
FEB. 16, 2023: BALLERINI TALKS ABOUT THE RELATIONSHIP’S ORIGINS ON CALL HER DADDY.
Ballerini went on the Call Her Daddy podcast to discuss the subject matter of Rolling Up The Welcome Mat, as well as what her love life looks like now. She revealed that their relationship started in late 2022, when she slid into Stokes’ Instagram DMs. “I’ve never seen his show, but I just knew of him, and I just swan dove right on in,” she shared.
MARCH 2023: STOKES HITS THE ROAD WITH BALLERINI.
At this point, it’s safe to say that Stokes is Ballerini’s biggest fan. Starting in March, he was attending almost every one of her shows — including the landmark SNL appearance (where she premiered an extended version of the fan-favorite track “Blindsided”), and numerous stops of her Heartfirst tour. During her show in Indianapolis, she officially changed the lyrics of “Love Is A Cowboy” to shout out Stokes’ character on Outer Banks.
APRIL 2, 2023: THE COUPLE MAKES THEIR RED CARPET DEBUT.
When Ballerini was performing at and co-hosting the CMT Music Awards, she took Stokes as her plus one, of course. This is the sweetest red carpet hard launch I’ve ever seen — their smiles say it all.
JUNE 24, 2023: STOKES SURPRISES BALLERINI ON TOUR.
Ballerini doesn’t have to relate to her song “Mountain With A View” anymore — Stokes flew to Seattle from Charleston, South Carolina (the filming location of Outer Banks) to be there for her. That’s right, he did take that flight!
AUG 11, 2023: BALLERINI OPENS UP ABOUT HER HAPPINESS.
Last month, Ballerini dropped Rolling Up The Welcome Mat (For Good). The original EP detailed how hurt and lost she felt following a messy, public divorce. In contrast, the extended version of this project reflects her moving on and healing process, culminating in “How Do I Do This,” an anthem about feeling ready to open your heart once again. She gushed about Stokes on The TODAY Show that same day, saying, “He’s such a wonderful human being.”
I couldn’t be more happy that they are happy. This is just the beginning of one of the greatest love stories of all time.