Country music star Kelsea Ballerini is embracing a new chapter of self-discovery in New York City following her definitive breakup with actor Chase Stokes earlier this year.
In a recent interview, the 32-year-old singer shared her excitement about living intentionally and focusing on herself for the first time in years. "I'm loving this chapter of life because I'm being really intentional about being connected to myself," Ballerini revealed. "This is my first time not touring and being somewhere new, and making new friends. I just haven't had the time to invest in myself like that for a while."
Ballerini clarified that her move from Nashville to New York is temporary, stating, "I'm not permanently moving. I'm just there through the summer, and I'm loving it so much." She described experiencing a "resurgence of energy" during her time in the city, where she's been enjoying simple pleasures like searching for the perfect spicy rigatoni pasta.
"I'm on a mission to find the best spicy rigatoni," she shared. "That's my Italian, that's my heart. I gotta go find it."
The singer's newfound independence comes after her on-again, off-again relationship with Stokes ended permanently in February. The couple, who first connected in late 2022, had dated for approximately three years with a brief reconciliation period last winter before ultimately parting ways.
Reflecting on the past year in a February Instagram Story, Ballerini wrote: "This year asked you to shed layers you didn't even realize you were still carrying. It brought endings you didn't expect, lessons you didn't ask for, and moments that tested your patience, strength, and faith. But look at you. You're still here. Wiser. Stronger. More aware of who you are and what you deserve."
As Ballerini settles into her summer in New York, she appears focused on personal growth and enjoying the simple pleasures of city life while navigating her post-breakup journey with grace and optimism.