Kelsea Ballerini Mourns The Loss Of Her “Soul Dog,” Dibs
Country singer Kelsea Ballerini is grieving the loss of her beloved pup, Dibs, whom she called her “soul dog.”
A Decade-Long Bond
Kelsea named Dibs after her 2015 single, “Dibs.” He remained her faithful companion throughout the following ten years, frequently traveling with her on tour. He even appeared on the set of The Voice when Kelsea served as a coach during Season 27.
Dibs was diagnosed with cancer in 2024. Following his diagnosis, Kelsea focused on keeping Dibs content and comfortable for as long as possible.
Heartbreaking Farewell
Sadly, Dibs passed away on January 7th. Kelsea shared the devastating news of his passing the next day (January 8th), writing, “my sweet dibs went to doggy heaven yesterday. he spent his last few days in his backyard looking at the sunshine and surrounded and visited by his forever people.”
Kelsea expressed how much Dibs meant to her, writing, “There are no words to articulate his role in my life, but i couldn’t have done the last ten years without him, and he will always be my soul dog…and i pray and believe we’ll find each other in every life.”
Celebrating His Life
Kelsea’s post included several photos and videos of Dibs throughout his life. One of the first pictures in her slideshow shows Dibs as a tiny puppy.
“i feel like the luckiest girl in the world that i got to be his dog mom, greatest gift of my life,” Kelsea concluded the post.
Kelsea also shared a post about Dibs’ passing on his dedicated Instagram account. Writing in Dibs’ voice, she said:
“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.”
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Outpouring Of Support
Friends and fans shared condolences and comforting words in response to her post about Dibs’ passing.
Carly Pearce said, “Oh kels ❤️😢.”
“i’m so sorry kels❤️❤️❤️” wrote Dasha.
Country singer and Nashville star Charles Esten commented, “Oh, Kelsea. We are heartbroken and so sorry for the loss of your sweetest Dibs. Sending our love.❤️”
“Sucks…Dogs are the best. ❤️ 🙏🏻” said Chuck Wicks.
Tigirlily Gold commented, “So so sorry Kelsea 😢 sending many hugs your way… he will always be with you.”
“I am so sorry !!😢 my heart is sad for you, my friend. Sending you love. 💜💜💜” said Jo Dee Messina.
Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild said, “Sweetest pup ever. love you kels.”
Kelsea’s boyfriend, Outer Banks star Chase Stokes, wrote, “My sweet sweet boy.”
“The worst heartbreak ❤️🩹 I’m so deeply sorry , Dibs was so loved and so lucky to have you ❤️” wrote one fan.
Another follower said, “oh kelsea, im so sorry 🩵sending you so much love and healing strength during this time. you will always find each other.”
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A Love That Transcends
The loss of a beloved pet is a profound heartbreak that many understand. For Kelsea, Dibs wasn’t just a companion—he was family, a constant presence through a transformative decade of her career and personal life.
His presence on tour buses, backstage at concerts, and during her coaching stint on The Voice made him a familiar face to fans who followed Kelsea’s journey. Through social media posts over the years, followers watched Dibs grow from that tiny puppy in the early photos to the cherished senior dog who spent his final days basking in sunshine.
Kelsea’s belief that she and Dibs will “find each other in every life” speaks to the deep spiritual connection many pet owners feel with their animals—a bond that transcends the physical and provides comfort during grief.
As Kelsea navigates this difficult loss, the overwhelming support from friends, fellow artists, and fans demonstrates the universal understanding of pet loss and the special role animals play in our lives. Dibs may be gone, but his legacy as Kelsea’s “soul dog” and the “greatest gift” of her life will endure through the countless memories and photos she’ll continue to share.