Ella Langley Delivers a Sultry Rendition of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” at Star-Studded Tribute

Ella Langley paid tribute to one of country music’s most influential women with a performance of Dolly Parton’s iconic hit “Jolene” during a special CMA celebration on October 21, 2026. Dressed in a stunning white gown, the rising country star brought her own playful, sultry style to the beloved classic, honoring the artist who helped pave the way for generations of female performers.

The performance took place at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville as part of the two-hour television special CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton. The event brought together an impressive lineup of artists, including Vince Gill, Zac Brown, Ashley McBryde, Carrie Underwood, Carly Pearce, Lainey Wilson and Ricky Skaggs, alongside other performers celebrating Parton’s remarkable career and musical legacy.

Langley’s appearance carried particular meaning following Parton’s death on August 25, 2026. Shortly after the news, Langley shared an emotional tribute to the singer of “I Will Always Love You,” expressing gratitude for the example Parton had set for women working in the music industry.

“You paved the way for so many to be brave,” Langley wrote, praising Parton for embracing her authentic self and refusing to be afraid of standing up for herself. She also described the country legend as a beautiful soul whose influence would never be forgotten.

The tribute reflected the profound impact Parton had on younger artists like Langley, whose own rise in country music follows a path shaped by the trailblazing women who came before her.

Langley had already honored Parton’s music in person. About a week after Parton’s death, she performed “Jolene” during a concert at Auburn University. Her return to the song for the CMA special offered another opportunity to celebrate one of the most recognizable recordings in country music history.

The story behind Dolly Parton’s “Jolene”

Released in 1973, “Jolene” became one of Parton’s signature songs and remains a defining track in her catalogue. Inspired by a real-life encounter, the song tells the story of a woman pleading with another woman not to take her partner away.

Parton later explained that the situation was less serious than the song might suggest. In a 2023 interview, she recalled feeling jealous because a beautiful red-haired bank teller had been flirting with her husband.

“He was a little embarrassed when I wrote the song ‘Jolene’ because, actually, it wasn’t as serious [as it seems],” Parton said. “I was just jealous ’cause she was a beautiful woman and he was just flirting.”

The song’s enduring popularity has extended well beyond country music. In 2021, Rolling Stone ranked “Jolene” at No. 63 on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. Over the years, it has also been covered by artists including Miley Cyrus, Pentatonix, Beyoncé and Olivia Newton-John.

Ella Langley brings her own style to the CMA tribute

Before the televised celebration, Lara Spencer announced that Langley would perform “Jolene,” while the other artists’ song selections remained under wraps. The announcement generated excitement among fans eager to hear the country singer reinterpret one of the genre’s most recognizable classics.

Langley delivered a lively, flirtatious performance, pairing her vocals with expressive movements and a few playful dance steps. Her white gown added an elegant touch to the appearance, while her stage presence gave the familiar song a distinctive feel.

Her choice was especially fitting for an event celebrating Parton’s influence on country music and the women who continue to shape its future.

At the time of the original report, the CMA and ABC had not released an official video of Langley’s performance. The appearance nevertheless offered another reminder of how Parton’s music continues to connect established stars with a new generation of country artists.

For Langley, returning to “Jolene” on such a prominent stage was more than a performance of a classic hit. It was a tribute to the artist whose courage, individuality and enduring catalogue helped open doors for performers who followed in her footsteps.