ERNEST is pressing pause on his time on the road with Ella Langley, revealing that the demands of touring have begun taking a toll on both his mental and physical health.

The 34-year-old country singer, whose real name is Ernest Keith Smith, announced on Friday, Aug. 28, that he would temporarily step away from Langley’s tour. In an Instagram Stories post, ERNEST acknowledged that life on the road had been weighing heavily on him and said he needs time to focus on his well-being.

The break is expected to last a couple of weeks. ERNEST said the time away will allow him to get himself and his priorities back in order before returning to touring.

He also expressed gratitude to Ella Langley, 27, for bringing him along for the tour and wished her the best for her performance in Auburn and the remaining dates. ERNEST said he hopes to come back better and stronger, adding that making the change is something he owes to himself and those affected by his actions.

Langley has not publicly commented on ERNEST’s departure. She is currently headlining her Dandelion Tour in support of her sophomore album, Dandelion, with the tour having been announced on June 22.

The two country artists already had a musical connection before hitting the road together. ERNEST collaborated with Langley on Loving Life Again, which he co-wrote with Devin Dawson. Select dates of the Dandelion Tour also feature Kameron Marlowe, Laci Kaye Booth and Gabriella Rose.

ERNEST has considerable experience performing alongside major names in country music. In 2023, he served as an opening act for Morgan Wallen, where one performance became memorable for an unexpected onstage accident.

While attempting to throw a red rose into the audience, ERNEST put so much force into the toss that his momentum carried him over the edge of the stage. He struck the railing separating the crowd from the performers and then rolled down a step built into the barrier.

The singer quickly recovered, climbing back onto the step and raising both arms in celebration as the audience cheered. Wallen later joked that ERNEST had “stuck the landing,” while Dierks Bentley praised the fall as an Olympic-worthy dismount.

ERNEST has also built a reputation as a prolific Nashville songwriter, making his decision to step away from touring a notable moment in his current career. For now, he is prioritizing a short period of recovery before attempting to return to the road.

With Ella Langley’s Dandelion Tour continuing, fans will have to wait for ERNEST’s next move and see when he is ready to resume performing.

Source: Compiled from various sources.