Chase Stokes and Kelsea Ballerini’s reunion was confirmed on Wednesday, Dec. 31, as the couple shared heartfelt posts on Instagram announcing they are back together. The reunion comes three months after their split in September 2025.
Actor Chase Stokes, 33, reflected on the past year in his Instagram post, sharing several photos of Ballerini, 32. “Something I’ve learned this year: don’t take advantage of the most beautiful things that in 33 years of life are fleeting. Take accountability, learn from mistakes. Lean into love and say it often,” he wrote. Stokes concluded, “2026, my year of growth, my year of truth. Starting here, starting now. Happy New Year.”
The first photo in his post shows the couple embracing on a porch, faces close together as if about to kiss. Other images capture them hugging while facing the camera and Ballerini cuddling a dog in a brown coat.
Ballerini also shared her perspective on the reunion via Instagram Stories, acknowledging the challenges they faced. “Messy year for the heart, messy year for the outside coming in, messy year for the way it became an out of our hands portrayal of it,” she wrote over a sunset photo of them embracing. She continued, “I really love love. I believe in it, I believe in him, and I believe in breaking patterns.”
The country singer concluded her post with a lighthearted note: “Now go kiss your person and stop speculating,” accompanied by a kissing emoji.
The couple first sparked dating rumors in January 2023 after Stokes posted a cozy photo with Ballerini at a Georgia vs. TCU football game. They went public with their relationship at the CMT Awards in April 2023.
Their breakup in September 2025 followed nearly three years together. A source told PEOPLE at the time, “They’re two adults who gave it their all and tried to do everything they could to make it work, but ultimately couldn’t.”
Signs of reconciliation appeared in November 2025 when witnesses saw the pair holding hands at a Dubrovnik restaurant, followed by Stokes posting cryptic messages on Instagram suggesting the relationship was over. Ballerini had previously emphasized her desire to keep her personal life private.
Fans of the couple can now celebrate their reunion as they enter 2026, with both stars sharing reflections on growth, accountability, and the importance of love in their lives.
