The North Carolina website says:

https://www.ncdor.gov/taxes-forms/your-filing-status

North Carolina Filing Status

The filing status claimed on the federal return must also be claimed on the North Carolina income tax return.  Generally, if the taxpayer has not filed a federal income tax return, the taxpayer must claim the filing status to which the taxpayer is entitled under the Internal Revenue Code.  However, for a married couple filing a joint federal income tax return, if either the taxpayer or the taxpayer’s spouse is a nonresident and has no North Carolina taxable income for the taxable year, the filing status married filing separately may be claimed on the North Carolina income tax return.