As Kelsea Ballerini gears up to release an extended version of her February EP, Rolling Up the Welcome Mat (For Good), she’s asking fans to focus on the music and avoid revisiting her past relationship with her ex-husband, Morgan Evans. The 29-year-old singer, who has been open about the emotional journey of her divorce, is preparing to share more personal tracks that were written during a turbulent time in her life.
In a heartfelt Instagram post on August 2, Ballerini explained that while she’s proud of the songs she’s crafted, she hopes listeners will respect the new chapter of her life and refrain from delving too deeply into the specifics of her split. She urged fans not to dissect the lyrics too much or bring the past into the present. “From the deepest and purest part of my heart, I ask that you help this be ours and let the music simply be the music,” she wrote. “Not dig back into the experience that it was written about nearly a year ago.”
Ballerini expressed that she’s not only protective of the new music but also the personal growth she’s undergone since her breakup. She mentioned that she’s currently in a “new, happy season of life,” which includes a public romance with Outer Banks star Chase Stokes. The two went red carpet official in April, just a few months after their relationship became public.
The upcoming extended EP will feature a new track titled “How Do I Do This,” which Ballerini has teased might offer further insight into her emotional journey. She described the song as being somewhat of a continuation, referencing how “scary” it is to revisit painful moments. She explained, “‘It’s kinda scary opening a wound that time has mended’…but this unexplainably transformative welcome mat had one last bit of rolling up to do.”
In addition to “How Do I Do This,” the original release of Rolling Up the Welcome Mat in February offered a raw and candid look at the aftermath of Ballerini’s split from Evans. In tracks like “Penthouse,” Ballerini explored the complexities of their relationship, expressing feelings of emotional distance and misalignment. Songs like “Blindsided” also revealed her confusion over the breakup, with lyrics reflecting on years of therapy and questioning the truth of Evans’ actions.
While many of Ballerini’s fans have supported her transparency, Evans publicly disagreed with some of her lyrical portrayals. He posted a response on social media at the time, stating that Ballerini’s songs didn’t reflect the true story of their relationship, and expressing his disappointment in her version of events.
As Ballerini prepares for the August 11 release of Rolling Up the Welcome Mat (For Good), her plea for a respectful listening experience highlights her desire to embrace both the music and her personal healing process without reopening old wounds. It’s clear that Ballerini is determined to move forward with positivity, leaving the past where it belongs and focusing on what’s to come.