Photo: Getty ImagesChase Stokes shared his support for Kelsea Ballerini after the singer-songwriter announced her first-ever arena tour on Wednesday morning (October 23).

The Outer Banks actor shared Ballerini’s tour dates on his Instagram story, and hailed his girlfriend “a f***in rockstar. So proud of you and this is going to be bananas. I’ll also bring bananas for potassium. [Kelsea Ballerini] I love you.” The couple began talking in December 2022, when Ballerini slid into his DMs on Instagram. They first sparked dating rumors the following month, when Stokes posted a photo with Ballerini. The country star confirmed the budding relationship in February 2023, and shared a sweet tribute to him when the pair celebrated their one-year anniversary together earlier this year. In part, Ballerini thanked Stokes “for making me write love songs. 🤍”

Ballerini will kick off her tour in January with a show in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She’ll make stops in Illinois, Georgia, Tennessee, Ohio, New York, Texas, California and other destinations before coming to an end in late March in Denver, Colorado. Ballerini said when she announced the headlining run on Wednesday, “this ain’t my first rodeo (but it IS my first arena tour!!!!!!)”

The tour announcement arrives two days before Ballerini releases he fifth studio album, Patterns. The 15-track album includes previously-released “Cowboys Cry Too” with Noah Kahan, “Sorry Mom,” “Two Things” and “First Rodeo,” which features Stokes in the music video that premiered earlier this month. Ballerini previously said of Patterns that she’s “never handled anything with so much care in my life.”

Patterns will make its debut on Friday (October 25). Days later, Ballerini will celebrate with a sold-out album release show at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The show takes place on October 29, and includes sister duos Aly & AJ and Tigirlily Gold in the lineup.

“The whole time I was making this album, I was visualizing and dreamscaping ways to bring it to life for our live show, and it was something I couldn't wait more than five days after its release to do,” Ballerini said in a statement. “When good things happen, when new chapters begin, you want to share them with your people. This time around, it just so happens to be in a bucket list venue in the heart of a city that is landmarked heavily in the music and visuals of PATTERNS. I'm so giddy to be celebrating this album release at Madison Square Garden...see you in New York City!”

Dana McKay