Kelsea Ballerini Shares Devastating News About Her Beloved Dog, Dibs

Singer Kelsea Ballerini shared the devastating news that her beloved dog Dibs, also known as Dibby, has passed away. 

Ballerini, who has been open about her pup's health issues for over a year, let her fans know about Dibs’ passing in a January 8 Instagram post. The upload featured several beautiful pictures of Ballerini and Dibs throughout their 10 years together. 

“my sweet dibs went to doggy heaven yesterday. he spent his last few days in his backyard looking at the sunshine and surrounded and visited by his forever people,” read a portion of the caption. 

Ballerini also stated that while “there are no words to articulate his role in [her] life,” she knows that she “couldn’t have done the last ten years without him.” 

“And he will always be my soul dog…and i pray and believe we’ll find each other in every life. his love and reach can’t be captured in an instagram photo dump, or in a caption, but here’s a look at some happy from dibs. thank you for loving him so loudly with me. i feel like the luckiest girl in the world that i got to be his dog mom, greatest gift of my life,” continued Ballerini in her heartfelt tribute. 

According to TODAY, Ballerini announced that her beloved 10-year-old canine companion was diagnosed with heart cancer in August 2024. In an August 2024 Instagram Story, the “Blindsided” singer shared that the cancer was inoperable. 

"The last few days we have discovered that dibby has inoperable cancer in his heart," wrote Ballerini.

She assured fans that her very good boy was “not in pain.” She also shared that her biggest concern was making sure her furry friend was comfortable. 

“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,” said Ballerini. 

Ballerini often expressed how important Dibs was to her. For instance, in a 2020 interview with CMT, Ballerini shared that thinking about Dibs has gotten her through any pre-performance nerves. 

“I know that even if I fall on my face, he’s still going to me. I really think the magic of a dog is that they’ll show up for you and always be happy to see you. And love you no matter what,” said Ballerini in the 2020 interview. 

Rest in peace, Dibby, you very good boy. Our hearts are with you, Kelsea!