Chase Stokes And Kelsea Ballerini Leaning On Love And Long Walks As They Care For Their Dog, Dibs
Chase Stokes, the star of Outer Banks, may be known for his acting chops, but in his personal life, he’s a devoted partner to country star Kelsea Ballerini and a loving dog dad. Since the couple started dating in early 2023, they’ve built a close-knit family with their two dogs — Milo, whom Stokes adopted in 2020, and Ballerini’s beloved Dibs, who’s been with her for over nine years.
Recently, the couple received heartbreaking news – Dibs was diagnosed with inoperable cancer in his heart. In August, Kelsea shared the news on Instagram, letting her fans know that while Dibs wasn’t in pain, he was on “the big meds” to help him live the rest of his life comfortably.
“We’re just taking it day by day right now,” Chase told PEOPLE recently, adding, “I mean, it’s one of those things that when it happens as fast as it does, you just try to do the next right thing.”
The couple has been leaning on each other for support as they face the emotional journey together. Despite their busy schedules, Chase and Kelsea are making sure to spend as much time as possible as a family with their dogs.
Kelsea called Chase the “greatest dog dad in the world” in her Instagram stories, showing how much the actor has stepped up during this difficult time. She shared that Dibs was “getting extra cuddles and kibbles from his little family.”
Chase reposted the stories, adding that while it had been a rough few days, Dibs was still in good spirits and eating all his favorite foods. “Day by day, we’ve got a road ahead, but we’re going to make it the most enjoyable, loving days for him,” he wrote.
One of the ways Chase and the Unapologetically singer are making the most of their time with the dogs is by going on long walks together. Chase revealed that his new partnership with Brooks running shoes has even inspired Kelsea to join him in running, something he loves doing with their dogs, Milo and Dibs.
“I’ve gotten her into running. With this partnership, that’s been something. And even just getting out and taking longer walks with the dogs too and getting in a comfortable shoe has been just kind of a nice bonding thing,” he shared at the Brooks Glycerin Max shoe launch event.
Through it all, Chase and Kelsea are taking it one step at a time, making sure to shower Dibs with all the love and care he deserves in his final days.
