Back in August, before kicking off her first-ever headlining tour and a coaching stint on The Voice, Kelsea Ballerini experienced a different kind of heartbreak. Her beloved dog, Dibs, had been diagnosed with inoperable heart cancer. Adopting him in 2015, Dibs was by the “Penthouse” singer’s side throughout a high-profile divorce, multiple No. 1 hits, and her 2019 Grand Ole Opry induction. Recently, Ballerini took some time to celebrate her “best friend forever” on his 10th birthday. She also provided an update on his ongoing cancer battle.
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On Tuesday (June 10) Ballerini shared a photo of the birthday boy sporting a festive hat and bib to her Instagram Stories. “happy 10th birthday my sweet dibby doo,” wrote the two-time CMA Award winner, 31. “you’re my best friend forever and i’m so grateful we get to celebrate double digits of life together.”
She concluded, “You’re kicking cancer’s a–,” followed by white heart and crying emojis.
The “Baggage” singer followed that post with a sweet video of Dibs enjoying the breeze on a car ride. Next, she shared another photo of the happy doodle pup, along with a message for her supporters.
“the biggest thank you to everyone who has been keeping dibby in their prayers and sending him well wishes,” Ballerini wrote. “he loves you and we’re so grateful. okay done with the birthday spam. gonna go snug him now.”
Kelsea Ballerini Shared Dibs’ Diagnosis Last Year
Named for her 2015 single off her debut album The First Time, Kelsea Ballerini fans are aware of the unbreakable bond the pop-country sensation shares with her dog. That’s why they were devastated to learn of Dibs’ cancer diagnosis in August 2024.
[RELATED: The Reason Kelsea Ballerini Cried on ‘The Voice’ Will Strike a Chord With Any Pet Parent]
“he’s not in pain, and luckily it hasn’t spread further,” Ballerini 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.”
“it’s a complex and emotional time,” she continued. “He’s been my baby and my steady for the last 9 years and very much alongside this whole journey with us all.”
Featured image by Tammie/AFF-USA/Shutterstock
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