Country singer Ernest discusses personal struggles after leaving Ella Langley's tour

<p>Country music artist Ernest Keith Smith, known as Ernest, shared his experiences of feeling lost and reconnecting with his faith after stepping back from the public eye. He announced his decision to withdraw from Ella Langley's The Dandelion Tour on social media on September 10, 2026.</p><p>In his Instagram post, Ernest expressed gratitude for the support he received during this time, stating, "Bottom line is I was LOST… I recon I still am … but the search is on…. And that’s new to me." He reflected on his upbringing in the church and noted that he had become somewhat disconnected from his faith.</p><p>Ernest acknowledged that he had relied too heavily on his own judgment and recognized the need for a deeper connection with something greater than himself. He stated, "I can’t define it and don’t know if anyone really can… I just know that I have a beautiful life, family and friends that deserve me at my best. I deserve that for me too."</p><p>He also mentioned that he was taking time off to focus on his mental and physical health, saying, "The road has been dragging me down in a bad way." He expressed his intention to return to music and his fans, stating, "I look forward to coming back better and stronger. I owe it to myself and those affected by my actions. That starts now. Love y'all."</p><p>As of now, Ella Langley has not publicly commented on Ernest's absence from the tour. The two artists collaborated on the song "Loving Life Again," which Ernest co-wrote with Devin Dawson.</p>