News | Entertainment
17 Jan 2026 9:31
NZCity News
NZCity CalculatorReturn to NZCity

  • Start Page
  • Personalise
  • Sport
  • Weather
  • Finance
  • Shopping
  • Jobs
  • Horoscopes
  • Lotto Results
  • Photo Gallery
  • Site Gallery
  • TVNow
  • Dating
  • SearchNZ
  • NZSearch
  • Crime.co.nz
  • RugbyLeague
  • Make Home
  • About NZCity
  • Contact NZCity
  • Your Privacy
  • Advertising
  • Login
  • Join for Free

  •   Home > News > Entertainment

    Kelsea Ballerini's dog has died

    Dibs passed away on Wednesday (07.01.26) - more than a year after he was diagnosed with cancer - and the 32-year-old country singer announced his death on Instagram the following day with a series of videos and photos of her beloved pooch throughout his lifetime.


    Kelsea captioned the post with: "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.

    "There are no words to articulate his role in my life, but i 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. (sic)"

    The Cowboys Cry Too hitmaker went on to thank her fans for adoring Dibs as much as she did.

    Kelsea continued: "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. (sic)"

    The Grammy nominee's fans rushed to the post's comments section to express their condolences.

    One person penned: "Sending you all the love in the world KB. Dibs was truly a king and the bond you two had was the most beautiful thing. Sorry for your loss (sic)."

    A second user typed: "Kelsea- I'm sending you all the love your way. I'm so sorry for your loss. And I'm wrapping you in the biggest hug (sic)."

    And a third supporter wrote: "Im soo sad for you, so many hugs and prayers. He will also be watching over you (sic)."

    Kelsea posted several cute shots of the pooch, including when Dibs accompanied her to The Voice set in 2018, when Kelsea was the fifth coach on the NBC singing competition.

    More recent photos included when he sported a brown bandana that had "My Mom Is My Entertainer of the Year" emblazoned on it - seemingly a reference to when she was nominated in the 2025 Entertainer of the Year category at the Academy of Country Music Awards.

    And videos included Dibs walking with Kelsea to a private jet, wearing an "I Love NY" shirt, and listening to his mom as she said: "Mom is going on tour. Dibby are you gonna come to shows?"

    The Miss Me More singer also announced Dibs' death on his dedicated Instagram account.

    Captioning a photo of him and Kelsea bundled up in blankets as they sat under stars, it read: "I'm cancer free now, and my last days were so happy.

    "My mom and my aunts and dad and grandma are going to show you a lot of my life on this page because I have so many pictures and videos that we all wanna share. Also, love you and thank you. (sic)"

    In August 2024, Dibs received an "inoperable cancer" diagnosis after doctors found cancer in his heart.

    At the time, Kelsea revealed on Instagram: "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."

    And in September 2025, Dibs underwent an unexpected surgery.

    © 2026 Bang Showbiz, NZCity

     Other Entertainment News
     17 Jan: Jackson Browne's son Ethan Browne died due to the effects of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and lidocaine
     17 Jan: Nikki Glaser cut a joke about Brad Pitt from her Golden Globes performance
     17 Jan: Matthew McConaughey believes a successful marriage requires "maintenance"
     17 Jan: Michael B. Jordan's mother has grown "used" to women lusting after him
     17 Jan: Gisele Bundchen is looking forward to "love, health, peace, and new adventures" in 2026
     17 Jan: Jessie Cave plans to get a boob job with the money she's earned on OnlyFans
     17 Jan: Teyana Taylor has likened divorce to "grieving the death of a living being"
     Top Stories

    RUGBY RUGBY
    After Scott Robertson, the All Blacks face a deeper question than who coaches next More...


    BUSINESS BUSINESS
    Kiwis are feeling the pinch more at the checkout - than they are at the pump More...



     Today's News

    Entertainment:
    Jackson Browne's son Ethan Browne died due to the effects of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and lidocaine 9:23

    Soccer:
    Auckland FC coach Steve Corica has been left somewhat dissatisfied by the referee's explanation over a penalty decision against his side in a 2-1 A-League defeat to Melbourne City 9:16

    Rugby League:
    Nelson Asofa-Solomona has made an explosive professional boxing debut against ex-rugby league journeyman Jeremy Latimore 9:06

    Entertainment:
    Nikki Glaser cut a joke about Brad Pitt from her Golden Globes performance 8:53

    Entertainment:
    Matthew McConaughey believes a successful marriage requires "maintenance" 8:23

    Cricket:
    Steve Smith and former Australian teammate David Warner have traded centuries in the Australian Big Bash, but it's Smith's Sixers who have taken a five wicket win in the Sydney derby 8:16

    Soccer:
    League leaders Auckland FC have dropped points for the first time after scoring the opening goal in an A-League match 8:06

    Entertainment:
    Michael B. Jordan's mother has grown "used" to women lusting after him 7:53

    Environment:
    A number of black - do not swim - flags have been issued for Auckland beaches 7:47

    Cricket:
    The Central Stags have beaten the visiting Auckland Aces by 10 runs in the T20 Super Smash in Napier 7:46


     News Search






    Power Search


    © 2026 New Zealand City Ltd