Kelsea Ballerini’s Beloved Dog, Dibs, Outlives Prognosis: ‘Every Day Is a Gift’

Kelsea Ballerini gave fans a positive update on her beloved dog, Dibs, this week, just a little more than three months after revealing that he had “inoperable cancer in his heart.” 

During an Instagram Q&A, Ballerini shared a sweet photo of Dibs at the vet and revealed that he has already outlived his original prognosis in response to a fan who asked for an update on his health. 

“Sweet boy had another round of chemo today and is hanging tough. Truthfully, his original prognosis was 4 months. That was 4 months ago,” she wrote. “But he’s steady and happy, so every day is a gift and I’m a little extra grateful we get the holidays together this year.”

Ballerini originally revealed Dibs’ diagnosis with fans on August 28 in an emotional Instagram message. At the time, she admitted to feeling “disingenous” about promoting her album, Patterns, without explaining what was going on with her pup. 

“He’s not in pain, and luckily it hasn’t spread further,” she wrote in the message. “We’re going to start him on the ‘big’ meds to try to make sure he can have as many comfortable and happy days (weeks, months🙏) left as possible.” 

She went on to thank the doctors for providing Dibs with exceptional care and her boyfriend, Chase Stokes, for being the “greatest dog dad in the world.” 

“It’s a complex and emotional time,” Ballerini admitted. “He’s been my baby and my steady for the last 9 years and very much alongside this whole journey with us all.” 

“I know so many of you care about him and are sending him prayers and love, and from my whole heart… thank you,” she wrote in conclusion. “He’s wagging his tail right now no doubt saying thank you too.”

Ballerini adopted Dibs in 2015 and named him after one of her earliest hits, “Dibs.” He often joins her on the road and pops up on her Instagram feed from time to time. 

She famously mentions Dibs in her song “Penthouse” where she sings, “Enough room for some kids, a backyard for Dibs…”

In October, Ballerini broke down in tears during her sold-out show at Madison Square Garden when she sang the lyric and the crowd wound up helping her finish out the song. 

After the East Tennessee native shared news of Dibs’ diagnosis, her fans launched a fundraising campaign in honor of the beloved pup. So far, this campaign has raised of $16,000 to help provide care, housing, microchips, and more for animals in need. 

Fans who are interested in donating can learn more HERE. 

Kelsea Ballerini is currently in London preparing for her sold-out, one-night-only concert at Roundhouse. 

She will return to the states and will kick off the new year with her first-ever arena tour, which is set to kick off on Jan. 21 in Grand Rapids. The trek will run through the spring.