Inside Kelsea Ballerini and Morgan Evans' Remarkable Journey of Healing: The Untold Story of Their Resilience
Kelsea Ballerini and Morgan Evans' divorce journey is a testament to their commitment to healing This article highlights their honest quotes, providing a comprehensive understanding of their evolving emotions and experiences throughout the process
Kelsea Ballerini and Morgan Evans' split in 2022 may have surprised their fans, but the country singers were well aware of the signs leading up to it. In an interview with CBS Mornings in October 2022, Ballerini expressed that divorce is not an abrupt decision and a lot takes place behind the scenes before it becomes public. She is currently focused on her healing process.
She expressed, "The dynamic between us is not tumultuous, it simply didn't work out, and that can be challenging to comprehend when you realize, 'Oh, my goodness. We're both decent people. But this relationship is no longer beneficial.'"
Ballerini and Evans, who got married in December 2017, publicly revealed their choice to separate in August 2022. In November 2022, we confirmed that the former couple had finalized their divorce settlement, following the release of breakup songs by both of them discussing their personal journey.
Scroll down for Ballerini and Evans’ most candid quotes about their breakup:
Credit: Getty Images (2)
Everything Kelsea Ballerini and Morgan Evans Have Said About Their Divorce: It's an 'Active Healing Journey'
Fans of Kelsea Ballerini and Morgan Evans may have been surprised by their split in 2022, but both country singers had anticipated it. Ballerini revealed in an interview with CBS Mornings in October 2022 that the decision to divorce was not sudden and involved a process that took place before it became public. She shared that she is currently embarking on a journey of healing.
She expressed, "The dynamic between us isn't volatile, it simply didn't work out and that can be challenging to comprehend when you realize that we're both good people, but this relationship is no longer positive."
Ballerini and Evans, who were married in December 2017, revealed their separation in August 2022. In November 2022, it was confirmed that the former couple had finalized their divorce settlement, following the release of breakup songs by both of them.
Scroll down for Ballerini and Evans’ most candid quotes about their breakup:
Credit: Courtesy Kelsea Ballerini/Instagram
August 2022
Shortly before initiating the divorce process, Ballerini made an Instagram Story announcement confirming the formal separation of the couple. "We are both in a vulnerable state, actively seeking growth and striving to be the best versions of ourselves," she conveyed about their current states of being.
Credit: Courtesy Morgan Evans/Instagram
August 2022
“I regretfully announce that after nearly 5 years of marriage, Kelsea and I have decided to separate. I had hoped for a different outcome, but unfortunately, it was not meant to be,” Evans posted on his Instagram Story, confirming the end of their relationship.
Credit: Andrew H. Walker/Shutterstock
September 2022
As the couple worked through their divorce, Ballerini expressed her emotions through enigmatic social media posts. On Instagram, she wrote, "Right where I'm at with what I have," alluding to the new phase in her life. (The line originates from her song "What I Have" on the album Subject to Change.)
Credit: Hahn Lionel/ABACA/Shutterstock
September 2022
The artist behind "Half of My Hometown" unveiled her fourth album, Subject to Change, in September. The album includes poignant tracks that subtly depict the breakdown of her marriage.
"In the midst of the bizarre year that was 2020, my album was released at an unconventional time. Although I may not possess the title of homecoming queen, rest assured, I shed my fair share of tears. What began as personal therapy for myself evolved into a shared form of healing between two individuals," she croons in the song "Doin My Best." She further reflects, "When you enter into matrimony at a young age, there are numerous obstacles one must navigate through."
Credit: Photo by Ed Rode/imageSPACE/Shutterstock
September 2022
In addition, Evans serenaded the audience with a heartrending breakup song during a poignant performance in Australia. With a soulful tone, he sang: "Have you ever contemplated removing our captured moments from display? / How many times have you been falling apart, without my knowledge? / Deceived by your proclamations of love, I'm left pondering their authenticity / I'm simply curious, how much time has passed since our relationship ended?"
Credit: Rick Diamond/Shutterstock
September 2022
Though some of Ballerini's lyrics appeared to be centered around their separation, a couple of them still hinted at a blissful relationship. At her performance in Radio City Music Hall in New York City, observers noticed that she made changes to the lyrics of "What I Have" to convey the absence of a partner to share her bed with.
Credit: Shutterstock (2)
October 2022
"It is simple to feel ashamed and have the desire to conceal oneself. I simply wish to have a sense of pride over the next ten years in this phase of my life," Ballerini told CBS Mornings about her divorce, acknowledging that her relationship with Evans was not "chaotic" but rather gradually diminished. "This is not solely a difficult period in my life. It is also a time of celebration. I do not want to overshadow that, as it is important to experience."
Credit: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP/Shutterstock
November 2022
While attending the 56th annual CMAs in Nashville, Evans admitted to Access that he’s been “extremely lonely” since the split.
Ballerini also attended the awards ceremony, but an eyewitness told Us that the duo kept their distance.
Credit: Andrew H. Walker/Shutterstock
December 2022
"For a while, I viewed it as a natural progression of a relationship, recognizing that relationships experience different seasons. It's not always going to be filled with excitement and joy. There was a prolonged period where I thought, 'Oh, this is just a phase where the initial sparkle fades away. That's how it goes,'" Ballerini shared on the “Tell Me About It with Jade Iovine” podcast in December 2022. "I reached a point where I expected things to improve eventually. However, there were times when it didn't happen."
The talented singer of “Subject to Change” acknowledged that going through a divorce is incredibly challenging. Nevertheless, she emphasized her strong sense of intuition and self-awareness, recognizing that it was the right time to bring the relationship to an end.
"At the conclusion of the day, it is an injustice and a disregard for oneself to remain in a situation one knows is incorrect, " she expressed. In connection, she firmly asserted that she will not experience any sense of shame regarding her choice. She additionally emphasized, "You are entitled to pass judgment on it, if you so desire, but ultimately that responsibility rests solely upon you."
Credit: Courtesy of Kelsea Ballerini/Instagram
December 2022
“Hey there. Just wanted to send you a warm hug,” Ballerini conveyed her message through an Instagram post a few weeks after what would have marked their fifth year as a married couple. “The holiday season can be a mix of beauty and emotions that are not always easy to handle. Remember, it’s absolutely fine to experience all the ups and downs. Take care of those cherished hearts, my darlings, and have a joyful Christmas week.”
Credit: AFF-USA/Shutterstock
February 2023
On The Bobby Bones Show, Evans reflected on the lessons he gained from his divorce, emphasizing the importance of personal control over one's emotions and actions. He expressed gratitude for the supportive individuals who consistently remind him of this valuable lesson. Additionally, he acknowledged the remarkable connection created through sharing his vulnerability and personal experiences, noting the significant increase in messages and comments on social media that he now receives.
Credit: Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock
February 2023
Ballerini opened up about writing her album Subject to Change while attending the 2023 Grammys — and hinted that a lot of inspiration stemmed from her split from Evans.
“I wrote the record during the ages of 26 to 28, and throughout it, you can hear me questioning myself, looking inward, and examining my relationships, including my relationship at that time," she shared with E! News during her appearance on the red carpet. "I was really grappling with all of that and experiencing significant personal growth. I would describe it as an album of self-reflection and transformation, and I am genuinely proud of it.”
Credit: Shutterstock (2)
February 2023
Ballerini released a six-song EP in response to Evans' "Over For You." In one of the tracks, she sings, "You claim to be lost, but I fail to understand. We spent years in therapy, and the truth was not difficult to discover. Were you caught off guard or simply oblivious?"
At the conclusion of the emotional scene in "Blindsided," Ballerini, while shedding tears, passionately exclaims, "You already know this, babe. This relationship has been a reality for you, it's not a revelation."
Credit: Shutterstock (2)
February 2023
“It's incredibly disheartening for me to witness this individual, with whom I have devoted a significant portion of my life and cherished wholeheartedly, articulating notions that diverge from reality and omitting the true events that transpired," Evans expressed on his Instagram in response to a preview of Ballerini's forthcoming guest appearance on the "Call Her Daddy" podcast. "She is aware that I am not inclined to publicly engage in such discourse. If divulging these details is what she requires for her healing process, I sincerely hope it proves beneficial."
Credit: Matt Baron/Shutterstock
February 2023
During her appearance on Alex Cooper's "Call Her Daddy" podcast, Ballerini discussed her failed marriage and her divorce EP. She shared that while her ex-husband was eager to have children, she was unsure if she wanted to become a parent. They had initially discussed the topic, but her feelings were changing, and she wasn't ready to commit to starting a family like he was.
"She mentioned, 'I took Morgan to dinner and expressed my desire to freeze my eggs for my 30th birthday. However, it did not go well. It made me realize that there has been a fundamental shift in our relationship, and he wants something different from life than I do.'
Ballerini also shared that she and Morgan had not communicated since finalizing their divorce. 'I was completely honest with him. I told him that I appreciate what our relationship has brought into my life, but I can no longer continue in this marriage out of respect for both of us,' she explained. 'We cried, hugged, and it was a tender moment. But after that, something changed, and we haven't spoken since.'"
Credit: Andrew H. Walker/Shutterstock; Gregory Pace/Shutterstock
February 2023
After his breakup, Evans opened up about his emotions in his five-part docuseries, Over for You, which was released at the end of February. He expressed that writing and sharing his breakup song "Over for You" helped him regain a sense of control over his own story. During his tour in Australia and New Zealand in the fall of 2022, the country singer also made jokes about his divorce, commenting on how quickly life changes. Reflecting on the tour, he humorously remarked, "I can't believe it's almost over. Isn't that the way life goes? Crazy, isn't it? You look forward to it for so long, get all excited, have fun doing it, and some days feel long. And then before you know it, you're divorced."
Credit: John Shearer/Getty Images for CMT
October 2023
At this exact moment a year ago, my life seemed completely chaotic. It was a bit disorganized, and I felt overwhelmed in numerous aspects," Ballerini shared with Nylon as she looked back on her divorce. "Honestly, and without any hesitation, I can confidently say that I have absolutely no regrets. I genuinely mean it."
Ballerini admitted that her breakup caused a stir among conservative individuals, who criticized her for not working hard enough to salvage her relationship. However, she now embraces her decision to end her marriage.
She reflected on how much of her life she spent trying to please others, believing that it made her a good woman and artist. However, she has come to realize that this does not necessarily make her a good person.
Instead, she values being true to herself, standing up for her beliefs, and pursuing her passions. She acknowledges that not everyone will understand or approve of her choices, and dealing with hate can be challenging. Despite this, she is finally able to sleep peacefully, knowing that she is staying true to herself.
