Ella Langley Sings Fiery “Jolene” Tribute To Dolly Parton
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Ella Langley paid tribute to the original queen of country music, Dolly Parton.
Ella has had a monumental year securing her place in country music history. But during a hometown performance in Alabama, Ella took time to honor one of the genre’s most beloved legends.
“Tonight’s show didn’t feel right without doing something like this,” Langley told the packed Neville Arena crowd before launching into the emotional performance.
Then came Dolly’s iconic hit, “Jolene,” but not in the way fans have traditionally heard the classic.
Ella honors Dolly Parton at her alma mater with performance of "Jolene" 🥹❤️ pic.twitter.com/JIzKNYKErj
— #1 Ella Langley Fan 🌼 (@QueenEllaFan) August 29, 2026
Rather than attempting to recreate Dolly’s original recording, Ella and her band gave the song an entirely new edge, cranking up the guitars and transforming it into a much heavier, rock-infused performance.
@emily.these.days Last night in Auburn, @Ella Langley said, “Tonight’s show didn’t feel right without doing something like this” and proceeded to sing “Jolene” in honor of @Dolly Parton. One of my favorite moments from the night 🦋 #ellalangley #dollyparton #concert #auburn #fyp ♬ original sound – Emily 🦋
Like countless members of the country music community and fans around the world, Ella also honored Dolly following her death earlier this week at the age of 80.
“Dolly, thank you for standing up for yourself as an artist, a songwriter, a musician, a producer, an author, a creative, and most importantly a woman in this industry. You paved the way for so many to be brave,” Ella wrote on Instagram Stories.
Dolly Parton died at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, surrounded by her loved ones. Her representatives said she had faced a brief battle with cancer, though the specific type of cancer was not disclosed.
“Thank you for being unafraid to show your most authentic self. The world needed Dolly and will never see another like it. The gates of heaven just welcomed home a beautiful soul,” Ella continued.
