Kelsea Ballerini had some people talking on social media as speculation arose that she and “Southern Charm” star Craig Conover were an item.
But, TMZ reports that “sources with direct knowledge tell us there’s absolutely no truth to the claim.”
Ballerini last dated “Outer Banks” star Chase Stokes, with their romance beginning in January 2023 and ending in September 2025. As for Conover, his last serious and public relationship was with fellow Bravo star Paige DeSorbo, with the two calling it quits in November 2024. Conover also had a short fling with his “Southern Charm” co-star, Charley Manley, during this last season, but that didn’t last as she is now dating “Southern Hospitality’s” Justin Assad.
How The Rumors Began
The rumor began on Instagram with an account called yourmomsarewatching posting that, “I have it on good authority that Craig Conover is dating Kelsea Ballerini.”
The post garnered 2.9k likes as well as over 280 comments.
“She won an auction years ago on the show for a date with him! That’s awesome!,” one person commented.
“I hope so! They’d be cute but I loved her and chase together,” another person posted.
“I love Craig and I hope he finds his soul mate. I wish the best for him and rooting for him to find his happily ever after,” someone wrote.
Kelsea Ballerini Appeared On Southern Charm
In 2014, Ballerini appeared on an episode of “Southern Charm” and had an interesting interaction with Conover. During Season 2, Ballerini bid on a charity date with the Bravo star.
And in an appearance on Cosmopolitan’s “Cheap Shots” last year, she opened up about this moment.
“Oh god, it haunts me forever,” she said. “I was on [a] radio tour and I was doing a show for the radio station on a boat and they were filming ‘Southern Charm’ on the boat. And I didn’t know that.”
She went on to explain that she didn’t know she would be on camera, only attending the event to perform her song.
“And then, little did I know, my label had set up the fact that I was going to bid on a date. I didn’t know,” Ballerini said. “I get pushed into [camera] frame … bid it, got the date.”
But, the two never actually went on the date together.
“They auctioned [the date] off on the radio station for charity,” she revealed. “Some winner from the radio station got it.”
