Ella Langley delivered a sassy performance of one of Dolly Parton’s most iconic songs, “Jolene,” during the star-studded CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton tribute special on Wednesday evening (Oct. 21), honoring the country music legend nearly two months after her passing at age 80.
Live from Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville, Tennessee, the country superstar and “Choosin’ Texas” singer took the stage to pay tribute to Parton with a rendition of the timeless hit.
Wearing an elegant champagne-colored dress with sheer mesh sleeves and rhinestone embellishments, Langley took the stage for a standout performance honoring Parton’s lasting impact on country music and the generations of artists she continues to inspire. With the “Jolene” album artwork filling the stage backdrop, Langley showcased her soaring vocals as she twirled across the stage, belting out the lyrics to Parton’s iconic hit.
“Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene/ I’m beggin’ of you, please don’t take my man/ Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene/ Please don’t take him just because you can,” Langley sang.
Langley arrived to the red carpet at the show in a vintage early-2000s Roberto Cavalli minidress in tan and champagne hues, featuring a delicate butterfly detail. She completed the look with Christian Louboutin Miss Z Degrastrass Perla pointed-toe pumps, styled by Stefani Colvin.
This was not the first time Langley had honored the country music icon with “Jolene.” Days after Parton’s passing, Langley performed the beloved song during her concert in Auburn, Alabama.
Written solely by Parton and produced by Bob Ferguson, “Jolene” was released in 1973 and became one of the defining songs of her career.
Inspired by a red-haired bank clerk who caught the attention of Parton’s husband, the song tells the story of a woman pleading with another not to take the man she loves. Its instantly recognizable melody and compelling storytelling helped establish it as one of the most celebrated songs in all of country music.
CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton also featured heartfelt tribute performances from Ashley McBryde, Béla Fleck, Brad Paisley, Carly Pearce, Carrie Underwood, Darius Rucker, Ella Langley, Kelsea Ballerini, Kristin Chenoweth, Lady A, Lainey Wilson, Little Big Town, Lukas Nelson, Molly Tuttle, Reba McEntire, Ricky Skaggs, Sierra Hull, Vince Gill and Zac Brown, with special appearances by Amy Grant, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Bono of U2, Carol Burnett, Goldie Hawn, Julia Roberts, Oprah Winfrey and more.
The two-hour television special aired live on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, from 9 to 11 p.m. ET (8 to 10 p.m. CT) on ABC and Disney+, bringing together a star-studded lineup in front of a live audience at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville, Tennessee. The event will also be made available to stream on Hulu on Thursday, October 22.
The celebration comes nearly two months after the passing of Dolly Parton, who died on August 25 at the age of 80 after a brief battle with cancer. Born on January 19, 1946, in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, Parton rose from humble beginnings to become one of country music’s most celebrated singer-songwriters, known for timeless hits such as “9 to 5,” “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You,” as well as her distinctive voice, ability to unite people through music and generous spirit.
CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton also highlighted Parton’s extraordinary career, enduring influence on country music and remarkable philanthropic legacy, including her work with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. A portion of the event’s proceeds benefited the organization, which provides free books to children from birth to age 5.
