Chase Stokes and Kelsea Ballerini Are Back On, and Fans Say 'Life Is Worth Living Again'
- - Chase Stokes and Kelsea Ballerini Are Back On, and Fans Say 'Life Is Worth Living Again'
Sammi BurkeJanuary 1, 2026 at 11:42 AM
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Photo by Variety on Getty Images
After weeks of speculation, which Kelsea Ballerini says you can finally "stop" doing, Chase Stokes has confirmed his romantic reunion with his former ex-girlfriend.
The Outer Banks star shared a bit about lessons learned ahead of the clock striking midnight on New Year's Eve, and seemingly even admitted some accountability into the couple's separation, although they've never spoken out directly about the reason behind the breakup.
Stokes took to Instagram on Wednesday, Dec. 31, with several photos from the year before, which included a handful of the "Patterns" songstress, whom we can apparently once again call his girlfriend.
"Something I’ve learned this year: don’t take advantage of the most beautiful things that in 33 years of life are fleeting," he wrote alongside the photos. "Take accountability, learn from mistakes. Lean into love and say it often. 2026 my year of growth, my year of truth. Starting here, starting now. Happy new years ❤️."
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Ballerini Affirmed the Message, Much to the Delight of Dedicated Fans
On her Instagram Story, Ballerini shared one of the photos, too, writing, “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. But what i’ll say, and all I really care to share indefinitely with my personal life anymore, is that i really love love. i believe in it, i believe in him, and i believe in breaking my patterns. Now go kiss your person and stop speculating 😘."
Fans made a ruckus in the comments, with one dramatically declaring, "Life is worth living again."
"the way I SCREAMED🥹," another admitted. "ugh I’m so happy for you guys😭."
The Relationship Has Been Rocky Since The Initial Breakup
The couple split early this fall after nearly three years together, with a source telling People, “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.”
Last month, reconciliation rumors began floating around after the two were reportedly spotted holding hands in Croatia. Not long after, though, Stokes seemingly reconfirmed their separation in a series of cryptic messages on social media, writing, “Don’t believe the media. I’m blocked, I did nothing wrong. Sorry I tried.”
He added in a follow-up message, “I’m sorry for those who believed in us. It is what it is. Onwards and upwards.”
Shortly after, Ballerini requested fans help her "protect her peace," also calling on them not to believe anything that didn't come directly from her.
Related: Kelsea Ballerini Fans Feel 'Bamboozled' After She Reveals 'Mind-Blowing' Secret Kept All Tour
This story was originally published by Parade on Jan 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
