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In 2026, Ella Langley has been making waves in country music with her hit “Choosin’ Texas,” but on Friday night, she took a moment to honor one of the genre’s most iconic figures. During her concert at Auburn University on August 28, Langley delivered a powerful, rock-infused rendition of Dolly Parton’s classic “Jolene,” paying tribute to the late country legend whose influence spans generations.
The performance occurred at Neville Arena in Auburn, Alabama-Langley’s home state-during the first of her two Dandelion Tour shows. She is set to return to the same venue for a second show on Saturday night.
Rather than simply replicating Parton’s original 1973 version, Langley and her band infused “Jolene” with a heavier, guitar-driven rock sound, transforming the familiar tune into something fresh and dynamic. Captured on a fan’s TikTok video, the moment quickly became a highlight of the night, drawing praise from attendees who appreciated Langley’s heartfelt homage.
“Tonight’s show didn’t feel right without doing something like this,” Langley explained before launching into the song, underscoring the deep respect she holds for Parton.
Fans responded enthusiastically, commending Langley for making space in her set to honor the country music icon. Comments like “Paying tribute 💯💛🔥” and “Ella crushed it all for DOLLY 💯🔥” reflected the warmth and admiration flowing through the crowd.
This tribute comes at a notable point in Langley’s career, as “Choosin’ Texas” enjoys a historic run on the charts. The song marked its 19th week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 as of August 29, tying it with Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus’ “Old Town Road” and Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” for the second-longest tenure at the top in chart history.
It also set a record for the longest consecutive streak at No. 1 during a single run. Only Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” has spent more total weeks at No. 1, though Langley’s track continues to hold a significant lead, suggesting that she might soon break that record.
While Langley’s own star is rising rapidly, her tribute served as a reminder of the foundation laid by artists like Parton, whose passing earlier this year has sparked an outpouring of memories and honors across the country music community.
Among the many tributes, Linda Ronstadt, a longtime collaborator, reflected on Parton as “the most extraordinary” person. Parton’s legacy also lives on through ongoing projects outlined by her team, as well as the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which encourages children to read and dream.
In a poignant coincidence, Tropical Storm Dolly briefly brought the country star’s name back into the headlines shortly after her death.
The Grand Ole Opry will continue the tributes with a special show on August 29 dedicated to Parton’s memory. The event will feature performances by Carly Pearce, Channing Wilson, Kathy Mattea, Molly Tuttle, Dan Tyminski, T.
Graham Brown, the Opry Square Dancers, and Belle Frantz, among others. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Imagination Library.
The tribute will be livestreamed on the Opry’s Facebook and YouTube channels, allowing fans nationwide to participate in honoring Parton’s remarkable legacy.
Meanwhile, Ella Langley is set to return to the stage in Auburn for the second night of her tour, continuing her own impressive ascent while paying homage to the woman who helped pave the way for her success. Friday’s heartfelt “Jolene” tribute was a fitting moment, blending Langley’s bold new sound with the enduring spirit of Dolly Parton.