Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes Break up Again Weeks After Getting Back Together

Kelsea Ballerini might be finding a new resonance in lyrics about broken trust and crossing lines. Just days after reports confirmed that the “Penthouse” singer and Outer Banks actor Chase Stokes had split for a third time, Ballerini caught the internet’s attention with a pointed social media comment.

The interaction occurred on a post by fellow country artist Ashley Cooke, who shared a snippet of an unreleased track detailing the messy end of a romance involving “wandering eyes” and “hiding phones.”

The lyrics specifically mention that towns talk and the truth starts spreading, concluding with the refrain that crossing lines makes Xs. Ballerini, who turned 32 recently, seemed to find the sentiment particularly relatable, dropping a simple but weighted mmmhhhmmm in the comments section.

Cooke quickly validated the reaction, replying that Ballerini clearly gets it, which has led many fans to speculate about the nature of her recent breakup with Stokes. Despite the digital clues, both Ballerini and Stokes have remained relatively tight-lipped about their latest separation.

Just a week prior to the Grammy Awards, the singer spoke warmly of their relationship to Entertainment Tonight, stating that they had spent a lot of life together. She addressed their previous short-lived split in late 2025, explaining that while it looked a lot more dramatic than it was, it served as a significant learning lesson for the pair.

However, her decision to unfollow Stokes on Instagram on February 6 suggests that this time, she may be ready to turn the page for good. Beyond the relationship headlines, Ballerini is entering a massive professional year as she balances her music career with her new role as a coach on The Voice.

Her latest project, Mount Pleasant, which debuted in November 2025, continues to gain momentum with hits like “I Sit in Parks” and “Cowboys Cry Too.” Fans can also look forward to seeing her live this summer, as she has been announced as a major headliner for the Barefoot Country Music Fest in New Jersey and the Dick’s Sporting Goods Open in New York.

Chase Stokes is also preparing for a significant transition in his career as he says goodbye to the role that made him a household name. Netflix officially wrapped production on the fifth and final season of Outer Banks in December 2025.

The ten-episode finale is expected to premiere in late spring or early summer of this year, marking the end of the Pogue saga. Stokes has expressed a deep sense of gratitude for the journey, noting that he is ready to challenge himself with more risky, artistic roles in the future.

Interestingly, Ballerini seems to be maintaining a friendly relationship with Chase’s former flame and Outer Banks co-star, Madelyn Cline. The two stars shared a playful selfie together following the Grammys, seemingly putting to rest any rumors of a feud that had been sparked by Ballerini’s song “Emerald City.”

Do you think Kelsea Ballerini’s choice to publicly support a song about “crossing lines” is her subtle way of telling her side of the story? Share your thoughts in the comments.