Kelsea Ballerini celebrated a Thanksgiving filled with love, music, and plenty of holiday cheer, hosting a cozy gathering with her boyfriend, Chase Stokes, and a surprise guest — country music legend Kenny Chesney. The country star shared glimpses of her festive celebration on social media, showing fans a warm and intimate holiday spent with her loved ones.
Ballerini, 30, has been open about her relationship with Stokes, 31, since they were first linked earlier this year. The couple, who made their public debut in late 2023, have been regularly sharing glimpses of their relationship with their followers, and their Thanksgiving celebration was no exception. The couple appeared relaxed and happy in photos from the holiday weekend, with Stokes, an actor best known for his role on Outer Banks, alongside Ballerini in multiple photos.
But it was the unexpected appearance of Chesney, 56, that truly surprised fans. The country music icon, who has known Ballerini for years, joined the couple for the holiday festivities. Chesney was spotted playing guitar and sharing the holiday spirit with Ballerini and Stokes, further fueling speculation about the warm connection the three share. It is unclear how long Chesney stayed at the celebration, but his appearance added a touch of star-studded charm to an otherwise intimate gathering.
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On her Instagram Stories, Ballerini posted a candid shot of herself and Stokes enjoying the festivities. In the photo, Stokes, dressed casually in a hoodie and a baseball cap, stands behind Ballerini as they both smile for the camera. The singer looked effortlessly chic in a cozy knit sweater, her hair styled in soft waves. The couple appeared relaxed and happy, clearly enjoying each other’s company.
Ballerini also shared a video of herself and Stokes sitting down for a traditional Thanksgiving meal, which included a classic spread of turkey, mashed potatoes, and green beans. The singer, who has built a reputation for her authenticity and down-to-earth nature, expressed gratitude for the time spent with her loved ones. “Feeling so thankful for all of the people in my life this year,” she captioned one of the posts. “Family, friends, and a whole lot of good food.”
While many fans were excited to see the two stars together, it was Chesney’s presence that caught the most attention. The two musicians have a longstanding friendship, with Ballerini previously opening for Chesney on his tours. Their professional connection has clearly blossomed into a strong personal bond, as the country music community celebrated their reunion over the holiday weekend.
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Chesney, who has been a fixture in the country music scene for decades, is known for his own down-home charm and holiday spirit. Fans were quick to comment on how naturally the trio seemed to mesh, with one fan noting that Ballerini and Chesney appeared to share a “family-like” bond. Some fans even speculated that the “American Kids” singer may have performed some holiday tunes for the intimate group, but there was no official confirmation of any performances at the gathering.
Ballerini, who released her latest album Rolling Up the Welcome Mat earlier this year, has kept a low profile regarding her personal life, choosing to share only what she feels comfortable with. However, her openness about her relationship with Stokes and her fun, easygoing social media presence have endeared her to her fans, many of whom have commented on how happy she looks with her boyfriend.
The “Half of My Hometown” singer has had a whirlwind year, with her successful album release and sold-out tour dates, as well as her highly publicized divorce from Morgan Evans in 2022. Despite the challenges of the past year, Ballerini has appeared upbeat and focused on her career, while also finding time to nurture her new relationship with Stokes.
As the holiday season continues, Ballerini’s Thanksgiving celebration serves as a reminder of the importance of family and friends, as well as the joy of spending time with those who bring happiness and support into your life. Fans can expect more updates from the singer as the year draws to a close, with many looking forward to her next musical project and future collaborations.
In the meantime, Ballerini’s cozy Thanksgiving with Stokes and Chesney was the perfect way to wrap up a busy year, highlighting the value of both family traditions and the unbreakable bonds that hold people together — whether in music or life.
