Call Her Daddy
Call Her Daddy
"I was a mirror back to whoever was in front of me. And I was really good at being whoever people needed me to be, and then I grew up." — Kelsea Ballerini
"Worst case is staying in something that makes you miserable. Worst case is staying in something where you are not honoring yourself. And in doing that, you're not honoring them. And you're not allowing them to go live the life that they want to live." — Kelsea Ballerini
"I think I got married because of my parents. I think I got divorced because of me. And I think me choosing to get out of that marriage was me kind of rewriting what divorce looks like, and what it means." — Kelsea Ballerini
Kelsea Ballerini joins Alex Cooper on Call Her Daddy to candidly discuss her divorce from fellow country singer Morgan Evans. Ballerini reflects on meeting Evans at age 22, initially perceiving him as a charming and stable figure amidst her burgeoning career. She acknowledges her people-pleasing tendencies and how that influenced her early decisions, admitting she was a "mirror back to whoever was in front of me." The conversation delves into the rapid pace of their relationship, including moving in together after eight months and engagement after nine months, highlighting Ballerini's initial belief that she had life and love figured out.
The discussion transitions to the fundamental differences that emerged within their marriage, particularly regarding the desire for children. Ballerini shares her internal struggle with not being ready for motherhood, a stark contrast to Evans' eagerness, which ultimately became a significant point of contention. She details the years of couples therapy and the emotional toll of feeling lopsided in the relationship, where she felt she was carrying the majority of the effort. The impact of their public profile on their decision to stay together and the eventual, "nasty" divorce proceedings are also explored, including Evans' release of a song about their separation.
Ballerini also touches upon her personal journey of self-discovery, including confronting past religious trauma around sexuality and learning the importance of female friendships. She expresses a newfound strength and self-love at age 29, feeling more aligned with herself than ever before. Looking forward, she discusses her approach to new relationships, emphasizing a desire for partnership without necessarily the legalities of marriage, and highlights the importance of finding someone who prioritizes their own life and aspirations.