Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
“The update follows Stokes’ cryptic posts, in which he said he had been ‘blocked.’”
Kelsea Ballerini is focusing on her well-being and keeping her “personal life personal” amid split rumors with Chase Stokes.
The 32-year-old country singer shared an update about her healing process during an Instagram Stories Q&A. When a fan asked, “How are YOU?!? You heal a lot of us, what do YOU need?” Ballerini responded with a sunlit photo of herself smiling near the water, writing, “Thank you for saying this and asking.”
She added, “I’m in a steady and happy place right now, truly excited for this Australia tour and the holidays.” She emphasized the importance of privacy, saying, “If I had one favor, it would be honoring that I’m trying to make my personal life personal for now. Unless it comes from me, it’s not from me, and that is really important in protecting my peace right now.”
The post comes shortly after Stokes, 33, shared cryptic messages on his Instagram Stories on Nov. 20, seemingly referencing the couple’s status. PEOPLE previously confirmed that Ballerini and Stokes had split in September after nearly three years together, though they were spotted holding hands in November.
In his first post, Stokes wrote, “Don’t believe the media. I’m blocked, I did nothing wrong,” and added, “Sorry ❤️ I tried.” In a follow-up post, he made his reference to Ballerini more explicit: “I’m sorry for those who believed in us. It is what it is. Onwards and upwards.” The two are currently not following each other on Instagram.
A representative for Ballerini said in September, “They’re two adults who gave it their all and tried to do everything they could to make it work, but ultimately couldn’t. It happens.”
Despite the earlier split, the pair were seen together in Dubrovnik, Croatia, on Nov. 7, where an eyewitness reported they were “holding hands at the table and talking closely.” After leaving the restaurant, they walked hand in hand toward Old Town, looking “very cute,” according to the observer.
