Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes Celebrate Their First Anniversary

Kelsea Ballerini / Instagram

Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes are happily celebrating their one-year anniversary of dating— and they seem more in love than ever.

Taking to social media, Kelsea Ballerini shared a loving round-up of her favorite photos and videos featuring Stokes, expressing her love and gratitude for the Outer Banks star throughout their year spent together.

 

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A post shared by Kelsea Ballerini (@kelseaballerini)

“A whole trip around the sun with my bestie,” Ballerini captioned the photo carousal. She then acknowledged him for a shift in the theme of her songs, stating, “Thanks for making me write love songs.”

Stokes reciprocated the love by posting his own anniversary tribute to the “HEARTFIRST” singer.

“One year of lovin you,” he wrote.

 

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How Kelsea and Chase Met

The pair, who initially kept their relationship under wraps, publicly acknowledged their speculated romance at the 2023 CMT Awards. Rumors about their connection began circulating early last year.

They first connected on Instagram, following each other, and it was Ballerini who took the initiative by sending a direct message to Stokes. This marks Ballerini’s first relationship since her publicized divorce from ex-husband Morgan Evans in 2022.

 

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In a recent musical release, Ballerini unveiled the track “How Do I Do This (The Final Chapter)” in August, which is featured in her Rolling Up the Welcome Mat (For Good) EP. This particular song delves into the narrative of her preparations for her first date with Stokes. In it, she candidly expresses the apprehension and anxiety associated with reentering the realm of dating after going through a divorce, providing listeners with an intimate and relatable perspective on this significant chapter in her life.

“They say to get out with the old you get in with the new / And I haven’t been on a date since I was 22 / My friend has a friend, and they say they’re my type / 
And then they’re texting me once, and then they’re texting me twice / Sayin’, “Are you free Saturday? I know a spot.”