On Wednesday (August 28), Kelsea Ballerini revealed that her dog, Dibs, has been diagnosed with cancer. The country star shared the sad news on her Instagram Stories, writing, “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.” Ballerini adopted the dog back in 2015, and he shares a name with her 2016 song, “Dibs,” which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. Ballerini said Dibs will take “‘big meds” so he will “have as many comfortable and happy days (weeks, months) left as possible.”

Ballerini’s new album, Patterns, will be released on October 25, giving her conflicting emotions. “I feel pretty disingenuous promoting this album and tracklist reveal (which I am so, so proud of) without updating you on my sweet dibs health,” she shared. “It’s a complex and emotional time. He’s been my baby and my steady for the last 9 years. I know so many of you care about him and are sending him prayers and love, and from my whole heart … thank you. He’s wagging his tail right now no doubt saying thank you too.” (Billboard)