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Kelsea Ballerini is vocal about her views on divorce, firmly asserting that it should not be glorified. The country singer-songwriter, who recently released her album ‘Rolling Up The Welcome Mat’ to address her split from fellow musician Morgan Evans, describes her relationship with the topic as complex and personal.
In a candid interview with Elle magazine, Ballerini explained that she does not wish to be viewed as the poster child for divorce. Having shared her experience through her music, she found an unexpected connection with her audience. Fans have taken to attending her concerts with signs announcing their own divorces, a gesture that reflects the intimacy and solidarity Ballerini cultivates with her listeners.
On the night before the album’s launch in 2023, Ballerini recalled her anxiety. She stated, ‘I remember being like, ‘Oh, man, I’m terrified.’ Then, the next morning, I felt relieved as people began to resonate with my journey.’
The singer, now 31 years old, continues to navigate her post-divorce life with sensitivity and pragmatism. She acknowledges the societal tendency to celebrate divorce, but she prefers a more cautious approach. ‘I try to never celebrate it until I know if it’s a good thing,’ she noted. ‘My first reaction when women approach me should never be, ‘Oh my God, congratulations!’ Instead, I ask, ‘Are you OK?’ It’s vital to destigmatize divorce, yet it shouldn’t be painted in a glamorous light,’ she emphasized.
Ballerini’s marriage to Evans began in 2017, and the couple announced their divorce on social media nearly five years later in 2022. Reflecting on the split, she expressed a commitment to sharing her life truthfully while maintaining boundaries around her personal experiences. At that time, she shared with her followers, ‘I’ve always tried to share my life with you in a real and vulnerable way.’
Evans similarly expressed his regrets about their separation, stating, ‘I am very sad to confirm that after almost five years of marriage, Kelsea and I are parting ways. I wish it were otherwise, but sadly it is not.’
Now, Ballerini describes her life as ‘unrecognizable’ compared to two years ago, indicating significant personal growth since her divorce. In her current relationship with Chase Stokes, star of the popular series ‘Outer Banks,’ she appears to be finding happiness once more. Since January 2023, the couple has reportedly moved in together and frequently maintains contact despite busy schedules.
Stokes remarked on their relationship dynamics, emphasizing the importance of effort and prioritization when it comes to love. ‘We never go longer than three weeks without seeing each other,’ he revealed, adding that they are committed to nurturing their connection above all else.
Ballerini’s artistry continues to thrive, even as she navigates her emotional landscape post-divorce. She finds comfort in songwriting, describing the process as therapeutic. ‘I’ve always gravitated toward writing about the unsteadiness in life,’ she reflected, emphasizing that the complexities of experiences like heartbreak offer fertile ground for creativity.
Describing her writing process, Ballerini acknowledged that it is often easier to compose when facing challenges compared to times of joy. ‘Songwriting serves as a release for me, especially when I’m feeling down. However, happy moments tend to pull me away from pen and paper. The creation of my song ‘Patterns’ mirrored the turbulence and evolution of my life over a year and a half,’ she explained.
In her exploration of love, Ballerini recognizes the importance of nuance rather than fitting into conventional molds. For example, her song ‘First Rodeo’ delves into themes of vulnerability, signaling a departure from traditional romantic tropes. ‘It captures the essence of falling and rising again—it expresses the real emotions of feeling like damaged goods, yet finding the courage to try again,’ she said.
In summary, Kelsea Ballerini stands as a voice for authenticity amid societal pressures surrounding divorce. Her journey showcases the importance of emotional honesty and connection. Through her lyrics, she articulates not just the heartache of relationships, but also the resilience that comes with navigating life’s inevitable changes.
