Why did Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes break up? The truth behind it

Country music star Kelsea Ballerini and Outer Banks actor Chase Stokes have called it quits. A representative for Ballerini confirmed the breakup, marking the end of a romance that lasted just under three years.

According to sources close to the pair, the split was amicable. “They’re both adults who put their best into the relationship, but ultimately it just didn’t work out,” one insider shared with PEOPLE exclusively, noting that the decision was not without effort.

The couple first stirred speculation in January 2023 when Stokes posted a cozy snapshot of the two at the Georgia vs. TCU football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. By April that same year, they made their red-carpet debut together at the CMT Awards, confirming what fans had already suspected.

Their relationship became a frequent subject of conversation in interviews. In September 2024, Stokes spoke openly about how they kept things steady despite busy careers and time apart. He told PEOPLE that they never let more than three weeks go by without seeing each other, even if it meant traveling cross-country. “It’s not always easy or convenient, but building a beautiful life takes effort,” he said at the time.

Ballerini also reflected on the relationship in an October 2024 feature with Women’s Health, where she revealed that her album Patterns was inspired by the complexities of falling in love with Stokes.

While their romance has now come to an end, both continue to focus on their careers—Ballerini with her music and Stokes with his acting projects—closing one chapter as they move forward separately.