Ella Langley Honors Dolly Parton With Emotional “Jolene” Performance In Alabama
Ella Langley found a beautiful way to honor Dolly Parton during her concert in Alabama.
Just days after the country music legend died at 80, Langley stopped during her show in Auburn and performed one of Dolly’s most iconic songs, “Jolene.”
“Tonight’s Show Didn’t Feel Right”
Langley was performing at Neville Arena in Auburn on August 28 when she decided to dedicate a special moment to Dolly.
Before beginning the song, she told the crowd:
“Tonight’s show didn’t feel right without doing something like this.”
She then launched into her own version of “Jolene,” giving Dolly’s classic a powerful, rock-influenced treatment.
The emotional performance quickly became one of the standout moments of the night.
Ella Put Her Own Spin On “Jolene”
Rather than simply copying Dolly’s original recording, Langley gave the song her own sound.
With her band behind her, she delivered a heavier, more energetic version of the 1973 classic.
Fans captured the performance and shared it online, with many praising Langley for taking time during her show to honor the country music icon.
“Jolene” Was Inspired By A Real Story
Dolly famously revealed that the story behind “Jolene” was inspired by a real woman.
The woman was not actually named Jolene, but she worked at a bank where Carl Dean, Dolly’s husband, frequently went while trying to secure a loan for his asphalt-paving business.
Dolly became suspicious of how often Carl was talking to the beautiful bank employee and later turned the experience into one of her most famous songs.
Dolly wrote “Jolene” in 1972, around the same time she wrote another of her biggest songs, “I Will Always Love You.”
The song was released in 1973 and became one of the defining recordings of her career.
Ella Had Already Paid Tribute To Dolly
Langley had already shared a heartfelt tribute to Dolly following her death.
She thanked Dolly for standing up for herself as an artist, songwriter, producer and woman in the music industry.
“You paved the way for so many to be brave,” Langley wrote.
She also said the world would never see another Dolly Parton.
Now, she has honored Dolly again — this time through her music.
A New Generation Singing Dolly’s Songs
Ella Langley represents a new generation of country artists who have been influenced by Dolly Parton.
By performing “Jolene” in Alabama, she gave thousands of fans a chance to remember Dolly through one of the songs that helped make her a legend.
And perhaps the most fitting part was Langley’s reason for doing it.
The show simply didn’t feel right without Dolly.
@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 🦋
“Jolene”
