Kelsea Ballerini Prioritises Peace, Keeps Personal Life Private Amid Split Rumors

Kelsea Ballerini mentions she is maintaining her "personal life personal for now" to secure her peace, amidst gossip about her and Chase Stokes parting ways.

Ballerini, aged 32, offered insights into her journey towards healing during an open Q&A session on her Instagram Stories after a fan inquired, "How are YOU?!? You help many of us heal. What support do YOU require?"

In response, the "I Sit In Parks" artist shared a sunlit picture of herself beaming by the waterside, accompanied by the words, "I appreciate your kind words and inquiry."

"I'm currently in a serene and joyful phase, genuinely thrilled about the Australia trip and the holidays," declared the six-time Grammy finalist.

Ballerini further shared, "If there's one request I have, it's respecting my choice to keep my private life private for the time being.

"Unless you hear it from me, it's not from me, and this is crucial for maintaining my peace right now."

Ballerini's statement followed Stokes's pair of ambiguous posts on his Instagram Stories on Nov. 20.

These posts seemed to suggest that he and the country music star, who PEOPLE confirmed ended their relationship in September, yet were observed holding hands recently this month, are truly separated now.

"Don’t trust the media. I’m blocked, I did nothing wrong," Stokes stated in his initial post. The duo is currently not connected on Instagram.

"Sorry ❤️ I gave it my best shot," he added.

In another message, the actor explicitly hinted at Ballerini, stating, "I apologise to those who had faith in us."

"It is what it is," Stokes continued. "Moving onward and upward."

In September, a representative for Ballerini informed PEOPLE that the pair had parted ways after almost three years.

At that time, a source remarked, "They're two mature individuals who gave it their all and endeavoured to make it work, but ultimately it wasn't possible. That's life."

The pair reunited in Dubrovnik, Croatia, on Nov. 7, where a witness saw them dining together, "holding hands at the table and chatting closely."

"After they left the venue, they strolled together hand in hand toward Old Town. They appeared quite charming," the observer shared.