’90s country legend Jo Dee Messina is feeling grateful.
The “Heads Carolina, Tails California” singer paired up with one of country music’s brightest young stars for a duet of Messina’s iconic hit “Lesson in Leavin’,” leaving her—and her fans—grateful.
On Thursday, country music up-and-comer Ella Langley brought out surprise guest Jo Dee Messina during her first of two shows at the legendary Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN. The pitch-perfect pair teamed up for Messina’s 1998 hit “Lesson in Leavin’,” featuring the iconic lyric “Over and over again, you’re a fool-hearted man.”
Messina took to social media to share her enthusiasm for the pairing, writing, “I am so grateful that I got to see @EllaLangley kill it at The Ryman! Thank you for letting me be a part of it.”
Fans shared her excitement and quickly joined the chat.
“My two fav gals in country,” commented one fan. Another shared, “Ella and Jo Dee are incredible singing together.”
Another called them “Soulful sisters.”
Jo Dee Messina and Ella Langley: A Country Duet for the Ages
While Messina is a long-established country music veteran—twice nominated for Grammy Awards, with several number-one hits and multi-platinum albums—the 26-year-old Langley represents the next generation of country stars.
Born in Hope Hull, Alabama, Langley released her debut album Hungover in 2024. “You Look Like You Love Me,” her duet with Riley Green, earned major attention as her breakthrough number-one on country radio.
A longtime fan of Messina, Langley often covers Messina’s hits, including solo performances of “Lesson in Leavin’.” A video of Langley’s acoustic version of the song went viral, earning praise from fans of both singers.
Langley is currently on tour, including two sold-out shows at the Ryman. Messina, who continues to perform select tour dates through 2026, is back in the studio recording her first album in over a decade. She announced her return to the studio in an October 2025 social media post, leaving fans eagerly awaiting her new music.
In the meantime, powerhouse performances like her duet with Ella Langley are keeping fans satisfied while they await the latest from the country music icon. is feeling grateful.
This story was originally reported by Parade on Nov 7, 2025, where it first appeared in the Celebs section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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