Miranda Lambert has always been one of country music’s most generous voices—both in song and in mentorship. On January 27, 2026, she took to Instagram to pour out a warm, deeply personal tribute to her friend and collaborator Ella Langley, just days after Langley announced her highly anticipated sophomore album, Dandelion, set for release on April 10, 2026.
The post came as Langley revealed the album title, cover art, and release date, along with the promise that the title track would drop the following Friday, January 30. In a handwritten note shared with fans, Langley described Dandelion as a project about “growth, hope, healing, and resilience,” a sentiment that clearly resonated with Lambert. The Texas native responded with a heartfelt message that quickly spread across social media, earning thousands of likes and shares within hours.
“Thank you Ella for ‘Choosin’ Texas’ to help you produce this amazing record,” Lambert wrote. “It’s been an honor working with you and Ben.” She went on to praise Langley’s spirit: “You are a Dandelion and I can’t wait for the world to hear this. I cherish your friendship sister.” The words carried the weight of genuine admiration from one artist to another—one who has already walked the path Langley is now blazing.
Lambert’s involvement in Dandelion runs deep. She serves as co-producer on the 18-track project alongside Langley herself and Ben West, bringing her seasoned ear and creative vision to the table. The collaboration extends beyond production: Lambert co-wrote the album’s smash lead single, “Choosin’ Texas,” which has been a top-10 staple on the Billboard Hot 100 and country radio for weeks. The song, a confident declaration of self and home, perfectly captures Langley’s bold personality and Lambert’s knack for crafting lyrics that feel lived-in and true.
This isn’t the first time the two have teamed up. In May 2025, they delivered a fiery, unforgettable performance of Lambert’s iconic debut single “Kerosene” at the 60th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards. The performance, celebrating the 20th anniversary of Lambert’s groundbreaking album Kerosene, became an instant highlight of the night. Langley’s raspy, fearless delivery blended seamlessly with Lambert’s powerhouse vocals, turning the classic into a generational torch-passing moment. The crowd erupted, and clips of the duet went viral, with fans calling it “electric” and “history in the making.”
That chemistry is evident throughout their working relationship. Lambert has long been known for lifting up emerging talent—artists like Maren Morris, Ashley McBryde, and now Langley have benefited from her guidance and generosity. For Langley, a 26-year-old Alabama native who exploded onto the scene with her 2024 debut Hungover, having Lambert in her corner has been transformative. The two share a no-nonsense approach to country music—rooted in tradition, unafraid of edge, and fiercely authentic.
Dandelion arrives as the follow-up to Hungover, an album that earned Langley widespread acclaim, multiple ACM and CMA nominations, and a reputation as one of country’s most exciting new voices. The new project promises to build on that momentum, with 18 tracks that explore themes of survival and self-discovery. The title itself is symbolic: dandelions are resilient, thriving in harsh conditions, often dismissed as weeds but impossible to eradicate. Langley has described the album as a reflection of her own journey—growing through adversity, finding strength in vulnerability, and refusing to be overlooked.
The title track, dropping January 30, was co-written by Langley with Joybeth Taylor, Austin Goodloe, and Brett Tyler. Early buzz suggests it will carry the same gritty honesty and emotional punch that has defined her rise. With Lambert co-producing, the album is expected to blend traditional country instrumentation with modern storytelling, bridging generations in much the same way their ACM performance did.
Lambert’s tribute wasn’t just a kind gesture—it was a public endorsement from one of country music’s most respected figures. In an industry that can be fiercely competitive, moments of genuine support stand out. Lambert’s words—“I cherish your friendship sister”—felt personal and unguarded, a reminder that behind the charts and awards are real relationships built on mutual respect.
Fans have responded with overwhelming excitement. Social media is flooded with comments celebrating the collaboration: “Miranda producing Ella is the dream team we needed,” “Two queens supporting each other—love this,” and “If ‘Choosin’ Texas’ is any indication, Dandelion is going to be massive.” Many are already speculating about a possible duet on the album, hoping to see the pair reunite in the studio after their electric live moment.
As the countdown to April 10 begins, anticipation for Dandelion continues to build. With Miranda Lambert in her corner as co-producer, co-writer, and vocal champion, Ella Langley is poised for her biggest chapter yet. The title track drops tomorrow, and if the early signs are any indication, country music is in for something special.
In a genre that thrives on authenticity, these two women represent its beating heart—resilient, unapologetic, and deeply connected. Lambert’s tribute wasn’t just a shout-out; it was a promise of more to come. And the world is ready to listen.
