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Why Kelsea Ballerini Was Moved to Tears on ‘The Voice’
After Kelsea Ballerini cried on the March 31 episode of “The Voice,” the coach revealed that she was emotional because her dog Dibs is sick. Find out the song that moved her to tears and the latest on how Dibs is doing.
Kelsea Ballerini Revealed Her Dog Dibs ‘Is Super Sick’
On the March 31 episode of “The Voice,” Ballerini became emotional during contestant Angie Rey’s rehearsal of “Dirt Cheap” by Cody Johnson.
The song includes the lyric: “And over there, under that wide oak tree / Beneath the cross is where my best buddy’s buried / Lasted 13 huntin’ seasons running strong / Keep your money ’cause a man can’t leave his dog.”
When Ballerini teared up, Rey stopped singing, telling her, “I can’t do it with you crying.”
The country star explained why the song had her feeling all the feels. “I got emotional because my dog is super sick,” she said. “But that is the thing about country music, is that it does talk about real life and the things that are hard to talk about.”
When Rey performed the song, Ballerini again was moved to tears. “You were just so lovely,” the coach told her. “And I really appreciated you kind of reigning back a little bit and showing more of that storytelling side of your voice, ’cause that’s a big part of singing country music. I just think you’re amazing.”
Rey told her, “You’re so graceful in the way you deal with things … you’re a great coach.”
Ballerini’s Dog Was Diagnosed With Cancer
Ballerini often shares updates about her best furry friend Dibs. In an August 2024 Instagram Story, she revealed her dog’s sad diagnosis.
“The last few days we have discovered that dibby has inoperable cancer in his heart,” she shared. “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.”
“The Voice” coach continued, “It’s a complex and emotional time. 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.”
Ballerini added, “He’s wagging his tail right now no doubt saying thank you too.”
In January 2025, Ballerini took to Instagram to post about her tour and, in the comments, she shared some info about Dibs.
“Dibby gets to come to around half of the East Coast run — which brings me to — if you see him/us outside the arena for a potty break or quick little walk, politely please remember he’s sick and easily overwhelmed right now, so it’s probably not the right time to say hey,” she explained.
Ballerini added, “But if it’s just me, bring on the hugs forever obviously. Just wanna protect our little fur baby and keep him safe and comfortable while he’s having his little tour time.”
