Kelsea Ballerini devastated after dog diagnosed with cancer

Kelsea Ballerini's beloved dog Dibs has been diagnosed with cancer.

The Love Me Like You Mean It singer took to her Instagram Stories on Wednesday to share an emotional note in which she explained that she was having a difficult time promoting her upcoming album Patterns because her pet has "inoperable cancer in his heart".

Kelsea emphasised that Dibs - who shares the same name as her 2014 song - isn't in pain and the cancer hasn't spread.

"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," she wrote.

The star went on to thank her mum Carla and boyfriend Chase Stokes for supporting her and Dibs.

"It's a complex and emotional time. He's been my baby and my steady for the last nine years and very much alongside this whole journey with us all," the 30-year-old continued, before explaining that she decided to share the news with fans because so many of them "care about him and are sending him prayers and love".

"From my whole heart... thank you," she concluded. "He's wagging his tail right now no doubt saying thank you too."

Kelsea's fifth studio album, Patterns, is set to drop on 25 October.