Kelsea Ballerini shared an update on her dog, Dibs, in a live-streamed Q&A on Instagram on Wednesday evening (October 9) after announcing he’d been diagnosed with inoperable heart cancer.
“A lot of you are asking about Dibs. He is OK. He’s laying on the ground,” Ballerini said, gesturing behind her. “He had treatment today, and he’s doing OK. Thank you for asking.”
Ballerini shared a statement in late August, noting that although she was “so, so proud” to announce details about her new album, she said it feels “pretty disingenuous” promoting the project without acknowledging Dibs’ health. “The last few days we have discovered that Dibby has inoperable cancer in his heart. He’s not in pain, and luckily it hasn’t spread further. 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. …It’s a complex and emotional time.”
She added in that statement that her mom and boyfriend, Outer Banks star Chase Stokes, were spending time with Dibs, who had “amazing” doctors and “extra cuddles and kibbles.” Ballerini also thanked others for their prayers and love, and said Dibs is “no doubt saying that you, too.”
Shortly after making that announcement, Ballerini posted a video that featured Dibs. It was especially “emotional and sentimental,” as it was filmed just a few weeks before his diagnosis. That video announced Ballerini’s “one night only” album release show at Madison Square Garden in New York City, which quickly sold out. The lineup also includes sister duos Aly & AJ and Tigirlily Gold.
Though the album release show is sold out, iHeartRadio is holding a contest to attend the concert and catch up with Ballerini in a backstage meet and greet. To enter to win, head over to the free iHeartRadio app, or click HERE for more info.
“The whole time I was making this album, I was visualizing and dreamscaping ways to bring it to life for our live show, and it was something I couldn't wait more than five days after its release to do,” Ballerini said in a statement. “When good things happen, when new chapters begin, you want to share them with your people. This time around, it just so happens to be in a bucket list venue in the heart of a city that is landmarked heavily in the music and visuals of PATTERNS. I'm so giddy to be celebrating this album release at Madison Square Garden...see you in New York City!”