Chase Stokes and Kelsea Ballerini rang in 2025 wrapped in each other's arms. On Tuesday, December 31, the Outer Banks actor posted a romantic Instagram snap showing Ballerini hugging him from behind while resting her chin on his shoulder. Stokes turned his face toward hers with a smile, adding the lighthearted caption, "2024 thanks for being done."
Their holiday together wasn't the first milestone the couple has celebrated. In November, Ballerini—known for her song "Sorry Mom"—hosted a festive Thanksgiving at her home in Nashville, inviting country star Kenny Chesney, her mom, and close friends including Alysa Vanderheym. Among the snapshots she shared: Stokes hugging her from behind as she proudly displayed her first turkey, plus a cozy group photo of them snuggling with her dog, Dibs.
During a recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Ballerini recalled a sweet 2021 encounter she witnessed between Stokes and a starstruck fan on an early-morning flight. Although she hadn't yet watched Outer Banks, Ballerini said she recognized him and made a mental note of his kindness. Now, the two have moved in together, as revealed through the lyrics of Ballerini's new track "Baggage," and confirmed by Ballerini herself in October, saying with a laugh, "We're unpacked, baby!"