Ella Langley delivered one of the key musical tributes to Dolly Parton on the live television event, “CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton,” on Oct. 21. From a current country superstar to an all-time icon, Langley performed Parton's legendary "Jolene."
Stepping onstage in a flowing gown with glittering sleeves, her hair swept up in an updo with her trademark bangs and fringe framing her face, Langley performed "Jolene" with a unique twist. She stood alone in the spotlight at center stage, backed by a full band and singers.
While a sold-out crowd looked on in Belmont's Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, Langley's Alabama twang gave the iconic ballad of romantic desperation a new flair. It first came out in 1973
and has become one of Parton's most enduring hits. Langley stepped forward and nailed the song's breakdown bridge before the iconic beat kicked back in. All along, a photo of Parton from the "Jolene" era was shown behind Langley.
Langley was one of many artists to celebrate Parton at the two-hour live TV special. From classic country legends and current superstars to bluegrass and Broadway performers, Ashley McBryde, Béla Fleck, Brad Paisley, Carly Pearce, Carrie Underwood, Darius Rucker, Kelsea Ballerini, Kristen Bell, Kristin Chenoweth, Lady A, Lainey Wilson, Little Big Town, Lukas Nelson, Molly Tuttle, Reba McEntire, Ricky Skaggs, Sierra Hull, Vince Gill and Zac Brown were also on the bill.
Langley recently broke the Billboard record for longest No. 1 on the Hot 100 with her massive hit "Choosin' Texas." When Parton passed away on Aug. 25 from cancer, Langley shared a touching message with fans on social media.
“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,” Langley wrote. “You paved the way for so many to be brave. Thank you for being unafraid to show your most authentic self. The world needed Dolly and will never see another."
"The gates of heaven just welcomed home a beautiful soul,” she added.
“CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton" aired live on ABC and Disney+ in the U.S. and internationally, and was set to be available on Hulu the following day.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Ella Langley delivers 'Jolene' at Dolly Parton CMA tribute
