Ella Langley Performs Jolene at Dolly Parton Tribute
The CMA tribute event held in Nashville honored the iconic singer with a star-studded performance of her classic hits.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Country
Live Poll
Do you believe televised tribute concerts are a meaningful way to honor legendary musicians?
Ella Langley performed a cover of Jolene at the CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton tribute concert. The event, which aired live from Belmont University in Nashville, was broadcast on ABC and Disney+.
Why it matters
The tribute concert celebrates the enduring legacy of Dolly Parton and serves as a benefit for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. It highlights the influence Parton has on both contemporary and veteran country music artists.
Jolene was originally released in 1974 and remains one of the most covered tracks in the country music genre. The tribute event featured performances from a variety of artists including Brad Paisley, Zac Brown, Carrie Underwood, and Vince Gill.
The players
Ella Langley
She is a country music artist who delivered a notable performance of a classic Dolly Parton song during the tribute concert.
Dolly Parton
She is a legendary singer-songwriter whose extensive catalog and philanthropic work were the central focus of the CMA celebration.
Katy Perry
She is an internationally recognized pop singer who appeared as a presenter during the tribute event.
The details
Katy Perry introduced Ella Langley for her rendition of the classic song at the Belmont University stage. The tribute concert showcases the broad impact of Parton's music through a diverse lineup of performers.
Timeline
The song Jolene was originally released in 1974.
The CMA tribute event aired live on October 21, 2026.
Streaming availability on Hulu begins on October 22, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This tribute follows a pattern of high-profile music industry events dedicated to raising funds and awareness for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Such celebrations reinforce the influence of legacy country icons within the modern entertainment ecosystem.
Viewers who missed the live broadcast can stream the event on Hulu beginning October 22, 2026. The concert remains accessible through both the Disney+ platform and the subsequent Hulu release.
The takeaway
Legacy tributes serve as an essential way for new artists to connect with the foundational material of country music. Fans can explore the original 1974 version of the song alongside these modern interpretations to see how the genre continues to evolve.
Further reading
Explore more highlights from the Country music scene.
Live Poll
Do you believe televised tribute concerts are a meaningful way to honor legendary musicians?
