“Half of My Hometown” begins with an ode toBallerini’s high school memories growing up in Knoxville.

Their connection made the collaboration a no-brainer.

Chesney agreed, texting, “I love this song.

Kelsea Ballerini smiling

It made me emotional listening to it.

Let me figure out my plans because I want to do [the collaboration].”

Ballerini was shocked saying it was “wild” he even knew about her.

Kenny Chesney posing, smiling

The chorus repeats, “Some went north, some went south…