Taking steps in the right direction.
After an incredibly busy 2025, which saw him co-writing not one but four of Morgan Wallen’s multi-platinum, #1 hits off I’m The Problem, “I Got Better” (platinum), “Smile” (2x platinum), “Just In Case” (2x platinum) and the title track (3x platinum) and releasing two separate projects, Cadillac Sessions and Live From The South, Ernest has shown no signs of slowing down in 2026.
Back on May 1st, he dropped what can only be described as a career-best with his fourth studio album, Deep Blue. And from the get-go, it was clear that he was gearing up for an incredibly unique release. Before officially announcing the record, he’d tell Bobby Bones that the album would contain some beachy/island vibes mixed with some of his patented southern flair. He’d go as far as to call it Alabama meeting Jimmy Buffett.
What resulted was nothing short of a stellar effort from the “I Had Some Help” songwriter. Despite the album clearly being a beach-inspired effort, Ernest packs it with quite a variety of songs — all while still keeping the production breezy and varied throughout. Here, you have some high-energy, heartbreakers on tracks like “Lorelei” and “Boat Named After You,” some genuinely stunning, classic offerings that harken back to Willie Nelson on “Lucky” and “If I’m Not Careful” and other rock-solid, breezy tracks like “Edge Of The U.S.A.” and “Somewhere In The Caribbean.”
After Deep Blue dropped in May, Ernest had been keeping his status as one of the busiest artists in the entire genre, opening up for Ella Langley on her massive Dandelion Tour recently. With that being said, however, it looks like all of that finally caught up to him recently.
The uberly talented artist and songwriter took to his Instagram story on August 28th to announce that he’s stepping away for a while to prioritize himself and his health – and thus is missing out on some future dates with the “Choosin’ Texas” singer. He thanked her for having him join The Dandelion Tour and wished her the best:
“Hey y’all. The road has been dragging me down in a bad way. From mental to physical health. I am going away for a couple of weeks to get myself and my priorities back in order. I want to thank Ella for having me out on tour and wishing her the BEST in Auburn tonight and the rest of the tour. 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.”
After being off-the-grid since the announcement, the “Boat Named After You” singer returned to social media this morning to provide an update on where he’s at in both his mental and spiritual health journey over the past week or so.
Uploading a few photos and videos of a scenic mountain view, Ernest would note in the caption that he was simply feeling lost as of late. In particular, he’d touch on his relationship with God and explain that he’s focusing on bettering it after years of “burnout.”
“Just checking in to say thank you for all the love and support …. Bottom line is I was LOST… i recon I still am … but the search is on…. And that’s new to me….
If anything, through this time, I am really starting to touch back in with my relationship with God… growing up in the church / Christian school, I would say I got a bit burnt out on it all. I have spent far too long relying on my own (dumbass) way and thinking I can outsmart my better judgement…. That’s not the case…. I don’t have many answers at all….”
After noting that he doesn’t have many answers to all the questions surrounding his problems, he’d finish by saying he knows where to start now. Additionally, he’d tell fans that he loves them and country music as a whole, and he’ll be “back to both soon.”
But I do know where it’s starting…. A dialogue with something greater than ME. 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…. I’m not preaching by any means…. But I just wanted to let y’all know I’m taking this time to dig and discover. I love y’all… and I love country music… Il be back to both soon!”
The country artist and respected Nashville songwriter joined a number of other artists who have taken time out of 2026 to focus on bettering themselves. Chase Rice, Randall King, Colter Wall, Justin Moore and Jake Worthington have all made announcements to their fans this year that they needed to step away (Rice, King and Worthington have since come back). Though worrisome, it’s good to see that all of them are prioritizing their health and well-being.
In Ernest’s case, it looks like he’ll be back in the swing of things sooner rather than later after taking some much-needed time to rest both mentally and spiritually.
