Chase Stokes Proudly Celebrates Girlfriend Kelsea Ballerini's Remarkable Year
Chase Stokes expresses immense pride for girlfriend Kelsea Ballerini's remarkable year, admiring her vulnerability and accomplishments
Chase Stokes had nothing but praise for his girlfriend Kelsea Ballerini when he spoke to Entertainment Weekly for a piece published on Thursday, December 14, in celebration of her being named one of the outlet’s Entertainers of the Year. At 31, Stokes shared some heartfelt sentiments about his 30-year-old girlfriend.
"Kelsea has excelled at maintaining her authenticity as a songwriter from the start of her career. She truly honors and stays true to her craft," Stokes lauded, commending the honesty of Ballerini’s 2023 EP Rolling Up the Welcome Mat “in particular.”
The album was written by Ballerini in the aftermath of her divorce from Morgan Evans last year. Stokes revealed to EW that he had heard the EP before meeting Ballerini in person. (The two were initially linked in January and officially confirmed their relationship a month later.)
“She sent me Welcome Mat and said, ‘I want you to listen to this because I want you to know who I am and I want you to have some clarity,’” Stokes recalled. “This was before she had any idea of how she was going to put it out [or] what her plan was, and watching it go from this idea into what it’s become has been a wild journey. … That level of vulnerability and honesty has completely shifted her career.”
Chase Stokes and Kelsea Ballerini Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for CMT
Stokes counted himself lucky to have been by Ballerini’s side as she released her most honest work yet into the world.
Releasing [Rolling Up the Welcome Mat] quietly and not receiving radio play, yet being widely accepted by the world, is a true testament to her artistry. Witnessing all of this unfold in front of my eyes as her partner has been an incredible experience. "Proud" doesn't even begin to describe how I feel, but I am truly proud," exclaimed the Outer Banks star. He also noted that Ballerini has deeply resonated with many women who have faced similar experiences.
He went on to say: "[Kelsea] truly is an incredible person. Every day spent with her is either filled with laughter or deep conversations that I didn't realize I needed but ended up being unforgettable. I adore her and I'm incredibly proud of her."
Chase Stokes and Kelsea Ballerini John Shearer/Getty Images for CMA
The admiration goes both ways, as Ballerini proved during a November appearance on Alex Cooper’s “Call Her Daddy” podcast.
“He’s the most emotionally intelligent man I’ve ever met in my life,” Ballerini told Cooper, 29, of Stokes. “I keep telling him he’s a man written by a woman.”
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The singer also revealed how her attitude toward sex had changed since sparking her romance with Stokes.
"The experience was very performative and focused on the other person. It's not like that anymore," Ballerini said. "I didn't understand how [sex] could truly connect people in a relationship. I always thought it was just something you did. ... Now, I realize it's a way for people to connect."
