Introduction:
Lainey Wilson Steps Up as Mentor for Rising Star Ella Langley
Lainey Wilson is proving that success in country music isn’t just about topping charts—it’s also about lifting others up along the way. The 33-year-old hitmaker has taken on a mentor role for Ella Langley, offering encouragement and guidance as the 26-year-old rising artist navigates big career milestones and a short break from touring for her health.
Wilson and Langley have formed a close bond, with Wilson making it clear that she has the younger singer’s back. During a recent appearance on Country Nights with Bev Rainey, Wilson spoke about supporting the “You Look Like You Love Me” singer. She explained that she’s simply passing on the same kind of wisdom she once received from country legends like Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire, and Wynonna Judd.
“Miranda was that person for me,” Wilson shared. “And I know she’s that person for Ella, too. Folks like Miranda, Reba, Wynonna—these ladies all poured into me. We’ve gone through some of the same struggles, just at different times. Now it’s my turn to do that for someone else.” She added warmly, “I love Ella. She’s like a sister. She’s one of the most talented people in this business, and it’s important to me to check in on her and be there if she needs me.”
Langley recently revealed she does need that support, at least for now. On August 11, she announced via Instagram that she would be stepping back from touring for a couple of weeks due to ongoing health issues. “The past several weeks have been tough,” she wrote. “I’ve been fighting sickness and feeling more run down than ever. I’ve made the hard decision to rest and focus on my health—mind, body, and heart. I want to be fully present for all the moments ahead, and I know I can’t do that without first taking care of myself.”
Langley, who has been performing alongside Morgan Wallen and Riley Green on their 2025 tours, will miss several shows between August 15 and August 25. She’s expected to return to the stage in September.
Meanwhile, Wilson presses on with her 2025 Whirlwind World Tour, which kicked off in Zurich, Switzerland, on March 4. After a European run, she returned to the U.S., performing in Phoenix, Arizona, on August 14. She’ll continue touring North America through the fall, wrapping things up on November 8 in Orlando, Florida.
For both women, the road ahead looks bright—Langley with her resilience and determination to prioritize health, and Wilson with her commitment not only to her own career but also to helping the next generation of artists thrive.