NEED TO KNOW
Kelsea Ballerini says she is keeping her “personal life personal for now” as she “protects” her peace, amid Chase Stokes split rumors.
Ballerini, 32, shared an update on her healing journey in response to a fan’s question in an ask-me-anything style Q&A on her Instagram Stories. A fan wrote in, “How are YOU?!? You heal a lot of us, what do YOU need?”
In response, the “I Sit In Parks” singer shared a photo of herself smiling and squinting in the sun near the water and wrote, “Thank you for saying this and asking.”
“I’m in a steady and happy place right now, truly excited for this Australia tour and the holidays,” the six-time Grammy nominee continued.
Ballerini went on to share, “If I had one favor, it would be honoring that I’m trying to make my personal life personal for now. Unless it comes from me, its not from me. and that is really important in protecting my peace right now.”
Kelsea Ballerini/instagram
Ballerini’s post comes after Stokes, 33, shared two cryptic posts on his Instagram Stories on Nov. 20. The posts appeared to allude to the fact that he and the country star, whom PEOPLE confirmed had split in September but were seen holding hands earlier this month, are done for good.
“Don’t believe the media. I’m blocked, I did nothing wrong,” Stokes wrote in the first post. The two stars are not currently following each other on Instagram.
“Sorry ❤️ I tried,” he continued.
In a second post, the actor made it clearer that he’s referencing Ballerini, writing, “I’m sorry for those who believed in us.”
Kelsea Ballerini/instagram
“It is what it is,” Stokes continued. “Onwards and upwards.”
In September, a rep for Ballerini told PEOPLE that the couple had split after nearly three years together. A source said at the time, “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.”
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
They reunited in Dubrovnik, Croatia, on Nov. 7, where an onlooker saw them together at a restaurant “holding hands at the table and talking closely.”
“After they got up, they walked together hand in hand towards Old Town. They looked very cute,” the onlooker said.
