Kelsea Ballerini Says Goodbye to Her “Soul Dog” Dibs

Country star Kelsea Ballerini recently shared the heartbreaking news of losing her beloved dog Dibs, who passed away after a battle with cancer. In an emotional Instagram post, the 32-year-old singer opened up about the profound impact her canine companion had on her life during their decade together. “My sweet Dibs went to doggy heaven yesterday,” Ballerini wrote, describing how he spent his final days “looking at the sunshine and surrounded and visited by his forever people.” The singer expressed that words couldn’t capture Dibs’ significance in her life, calling him her “soul dog” and sharing her belief that they would “find each other in every life.” For Ballerini, being Dibs’ “dog mom” was the “greatest gift” of her life, a sentiment that resonated with her fans who had come to love the pup through her social media over the years.

The loss came after Dibs was diagnosed with inoperable cancer in his heart earlier in 2024. Back in August, Ballerini had shared the difficult news with her followers, explaining that while Dibs wasn’t in pain and the cancer hadn’t spread further, he needed “big meds” to ensure he could have “as many comfortable and happy days left as possible.” During this challenging time, Ballerini was supported by her mother and boyfriend Chase Stokes, whom she described as “the greatest dog dad in the world.” The singer acknowledged what a “complex and emotional time” it was, reflecting on how Dibs had been her “steady” companion throughout her career journey. Even during his illness, Ballerini noted that Dibs was “wagging his tail” and seemed to be thanking everyone for their support and love.

Dibs had been a constant presence in Ballerini’s life since 2015 when she adopted him, and he quickly became a star in his own right. The singer even created a dedicated Instagram page called “A Dog Named Dibs” to share special moments and memories of her furry friend with fans. Following his passing, a poignant message appeared on this account: “I’m cancer-free now, and my last days were so happy. My mom and my aunts and dad and grandma are going to show you a lot of my life on this page because I have so many pictures and videos that we all wanna share. Also, love you and thank you.” This touching tribute highlights the plan to keep Dibs’ memory alive by continuing to share cherished memories with the community of fans who had grown to love him over the years.

Chase Stokes, Ballerini’s boyfriend and star of Netflix’s “Outer Banks,” had developed his own special bond with Dibs since beginning his relationship with the singer in 2023. In response to Ballerini’s announcement of Dibs’ passing, Stokes left a simple yet heartfelt comment: “My sweet sweet boy.” Though the couple had experienced a brief separation last fall, they reconnected over the holiday season and have been rebuilding their relationship since then. According to sources close to the pair, they’re taking things “more carefully and intentionally” this time around, having learned from their previous breakup. Stokes had embraced his role as Dibs’ “dog dad,” further cementing the family unit that brought comfort to the beloved pet in his final days.

The outpouring of support from fans following Dibs’ passing demonstrates the unique connection people form with pets, even those they’ve only known through social media. Ballerini specifically thanked her followers for “loving him so loudly,” acknowledging how her fans had embraced Dibs as part of their extended community. When Dibs was first diagnosed with cancer, Ballerini had asked her supporters for “big prayers and healing energy” for her “sweet dibs,” showing how she valued the collective positive thoughts of her fanbase during such a difficult time. This relationship between celebrities, their pets, and their followers highlights how social media has transformed the way we experience both joy and grief collectively, creating spaces for shared emotional experiences despite physical distance.

For many pet owners, Ballerini’s experience resonates deeply—the journey of loving a pet through health and illness, and ultimately having to say goodbye. Her decision to share both Dibs’ cancer diagnosis and eventual passing publicly speaks to the significant role pets play in our lives and the genuine grief we experience when losing them. By describing Dibs as her “soul dog” and expressing her belief that they’ll find each other in future lives, Ballerini articulated the profound bond many people feel with their animal companions—one that transcends ordinary understanding and feels eternal in nature. As she and Stokes move forward with their relationship, keeping it “more private” according to sources, the memory of Dibs will undoubtedly remain an important part of their shared history, a testament to the healing and unconditional love that pets bring into our lives during the time we’re fortunate enough to have them.