Kelsea Ballerini's Dog Dibs Has 'Inoperable Cancer' in His Heart: 'He Is Getting Extra Cuddles and Kibbles'

The country star said doctors are trying "to make sure he can have as many comfortable and happy days (weeks, months🙏) left as possible"

Kelsea Ballerini and her dog
Kelsea Ballerini and her dog. Photo:

Kelsea Ballerini/Instagram

Kelsea Ballerini shared an upsetting update about her dog Dibs.

The country singer, 30, announced in a series of Instagram Stories on Wednesday, Aug. 28, that Dibs has “inoperable cancer in his heart.”

Although Ballerini is “so, so proud” of her upcoming album, Patterns, she feels “pretty disingenuous promoting this album and tracklist reveal….without updating you on my sweet dibs," she began her Stories post.

Ballerini explained that in the last few days, doctors discovered her dog has cancer in his heart. “He's not in pain, and luckily it hasn't spread further,” she wrote. “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 continued by thanking the “amazing” doctors, her mom and boyfriend Chase Stokes, noting he “is the greatest dog dad in the world.” 

“He is getting extra cuddles and kibbles from his little family,” she wrote.

Kelsea Ballerini and her dog
Kelsea Ballerini Aug. 28, 2024 Instagram Story.

Kelsea Ballerini/Instagram

“It's a complex and emotional time,” Ballerini confessed. “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 concluded. “He's wagging his tail right now no doubt saying thank you too.”

Stokes, 31, reposted Ballerini's Instagram Stories post to his own Instagram Stories, alongside his own note.

“It's been a rough few days here. But our man is in good spirits and eating all his favorite foods,” Stokes wrote. “For those who have embraced him here online or friends who call him family- thank you. Thank you for your love, thank you for your positive words.”

He concluded: “Day by day, we've got a road ahead, but we're going to make it the most enjoyable, loving days for him.”

Kelsea Ballerini's dog
Kelsea Ballerini Aug. 28, 2024 Instagram Story.

Kelsea Ballerini/Instagram

In the second Instagram Stories post, the four-time Grammy nominee also shared a sweet photo of her dog, with the heart emoji over his body.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 

Ballerini adopted Dibs in 2015 and she named him after her hit song from that year. Since welcoming him into her life, she has shared several photos of him on Instagram and even created his own account.

The last post on the dog’s account included photos of the singer and Dibs playing in the snow in January.

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

“Fact: only 1 out of every 2 snow bunnies has hops. also fact: i’m a model,” read the caption.

Comments
All comments are subject to our Community Guidelines. PEOPLE does not endorse the opinions and views shared by readers in our comment sections.

Related Articles