Inside Country Star Kelsea Ballerini and Morgan Evans’ Divorce: Why They Split
Country star Kelsea Ballerini and husband Morgan Evans announced they were breaking up in August 2022, nearly five years after they tied the knot. Fans of both musicians were saddened by the news, with Kelsea admitting on social media at the time that it was “difficult to find the words” to express what she was going through. The ex-couple’s divorce was finalized on November 3, 2022, but why did they break up in the first place?
Kelsea Ballerini Filed for Divorce From Morgan Evans Due To ‘Irreconcilable Differences’
Kelsea filed her divorce documents in Davidson Country, Tennessee, in August 2022, citing “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for the split, according to court documents obtained by In Touch. The "Hole In The Bottle" singer took to social media to announce the news to her followers. “Friends, I’ve always tried my best to share my life with you in a real and vulnerable way, while also protecting layers of my personal life as they unfold. This is now public record so I wanted you to hear from me directly that I am going through a divorce,” Kelsea wrote on her Instagram Story. “This deeply difficult decision is the result of a journey of love, growth, and effort that ultimately has come to an end.”
The "Love Me Like You Mean It" singer had used her social media to share both personal and professional updates with fans, but followers had noticed the lack of her husband’s presence in the months leading up to the sad announcement. In the immediate aftermath of her personal news, the singer took to Instagram again with a solemn yet hopeful message: “Right where I'm at with what I have.”
Kelsea and Morgan settled their divorce about two months later, working with individual attorneys to come to an agreement. The settlement further “restored” Kelsea’s “right and privileges” as a single person.
Did Kelsea Ballerini and Morgan Evans Have a Prenup?
Kelsea and Morgan signed a prenuptial agreement ahead of their 2017 wedding, and their divorce closely followed the previously agreed upon terms, according to the court documents obtained by In Touch. Upon the settlement of their divorce – which was “not otherwise altered or amended” from the prenup – Kelsea and Morgan agreed to a specific set of terms for the separation of their assets.
Kelsea Ballerini and Morgan Evans Moved Out of Their Nashville Home
The divorce settlement showed that the couple’s Nashville home was vacated amid the separation and has since been put on the market. Both parties are required to keep the property in good condition during the selling process so as to not deter “potential buyers.” Once the home is sold, Kelsea and Morgan will split the profits equally after the mortgage, real estate commission and additional costs are settled. As far as home furniture is concerned, Kelsea and Morgan split the furnishings between them, with Kelsea taking any remaining pieces left behind by her ex.
Kelsea Ballerini and Morgan Evans Divided Their Assets Down the Middle
Kelsea and Morgan’s divorce settlement addressed everything from health insurance to attorney’s fees, and the couple continued to divide their assets down the middle. The dissolution agreement detailed that any cars, bank accounts, retirement funds, life insurance policies and more – owned by Kelsea or Morgan individually – would remain in their names. The former spouse would not have any claim to aforementioned assets, the document details. The country music star and her husband further agreed that any personal or credit card debt belonging to their former spouse would be taken care of separately.
Perhaps one of the most consequential changes came in terms of Kelsea and Morgan’s beneficiaries – both were removed from any document or policy in which they were listed as their spouse’s beneficiary, such as insurance policies, wills, retirement benefits and bank accounts.
Are Kelsea Ballerini and Morgan Evans Friends Following Their Split?
Both Kelsea and Morgan have been relatively tight-lipped following their separation and divorce, but it’s clear from their music that they’ve handled the aftermath differently. Fans noticed during a September 2022 concert that Kelsea changed a lyric in her song, "What I Have," to reflect her post-divorce status. Altering the original lyric "I got a warm body in bed" to "I got my own body in bed,” concertgoers quickly picked up on the shift and applauded the singer’s choice.
Morgan, on the other hand, may not have been so quick to change his tune. His October 2022 release entitled "Over For You" reflected a heartbroken lover who didn’t understand the extent of his partner’s strife. Lyrics from the ballad include, “How long have you been waiting to take our pictures down?/How long have you been breaking? … How many times did you say you loved me when it wasn't true?/I'm just wondering, how long has it been over for you?"
The singer spoke about the emotional song while on the red carpet at the 2022 Country Music Association Awards, telling Access Hollywood that the last few months have been incredibly lonely. "It's been a rough few months in my life," Morgan said, before revealing that writing the song helped him "sort through" his own experience with divorce. He was hesitant to say if he was ready to date again, instead reflecting on the "very personal and ... heavy" song that is connecting with listeners.
Is Kelsea Ballerini Dating Again?
Just a few months after her divorce from Morgan was finalized, Kelsea sparked dating rumors when she was photographed cuddling up to actor Chase Stokes at the NCAA College Football Championship game in Los Angeles. Taking to Instagram on January 13, 2023, the Outer Banks star dropped a carousel of pictures, including a rather intimate one with the country singer at the game, and tagged her. Kelsea left a sly comment on the post in question, leading fans to believe that a romance had blossomed between the two celebrities.
Chase later confirmed his relationship with the country crooner while appearing on Today, teasing that he’s a huge “fan” of Kelsea's. The two have since become a staple A-list couple, sending fans swooning with their updates and photos.
What Has Kelsea Ballerini Said About Morgan Evans?
Though Kelsea remained largely quiet about her split from Morgan, she did offer an update in October 2023, revealing that she found "peace" in her decision to end her marriage.
“This time last year, my life felt very out of control. A bit messy,” she told Nylon. "I just felt in the weeds in a lot of things. I can truly, from my guts, say I regret literally nothing. I really don’t."
