AceShowbiz - Fans have been cheering for Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes since the couple first ignited dating rumors in early 2023.

By this time, the country singer had already navigated a turbulent romantic history. Ballerini was just 22 when she met fellow musician Morgan Evans, whom she wed in 2017 but later divorced in 2022. This challenging journey was chronicled in her EP Rolling Up the Welcome Mat. Similarly, Stokes had his own public relationship, having dated his Outer Banks co-star Madeline Cline for over a year before their split in 2021.

As private outings transformed into red-carpet appearances and affectionate moments during interviews, it became clear that Ballerini and Stokes had discovered love in each other. The couple has openly shared their affection on social media, highlighting their support for one another and their commitment to overcoming obstacles—even after facing challenges in late 2025. They briefly separated toward the end of that year, leading to a confusing period before they announced their rekindled romance as 2026 approached, only to part ways again in February.

From their adorable shared moments to significant anniversaries and a touch of on-and-off drama, the musician and actor have become one of the most admired couples in the entertainment industry. Below, we explore how their relationship has progressed through the years, as detailed in Billboard‘s timeline.

January 2023: First Date

Ballerini shared the story of her initial date with Stokes during a guest appearance on Call Her Daddy in 2023. After slipping into his DMs and discovering their mutual chemistry through text, the two finally met after Ballerini performed at an event. “He hopped out of his Bronco, and he did not say a word to me,” she recounted. “And he grabbed my face and he kissed me and he pulled my face away and he said, ‘Thank God you’re real.’”