When country songstress Jenna Paulette released “Darlin’” earlier this year, it became her first single on independent record label Leo33. Written by Paulette alongside Jess Cayne and Matthew Morrisey, “Darlin’” began the next chapter of her story – juxtaposing the manipulation of a past relationship with the restored confidence that comes with true love – following the success of her debut album The Girl I Was in March 2023.
Filmed in far West Texas by director Ben Christensen and starring Paulette, Jaci Hammons, Roscoe Edmonds, Bill Fort, PRCA saddle bronc rider Jarrod Hammons and actor James Landry Hébert (1883, Stranger Things), the “Darlin’” official music video is available now following its premiere with CMT in Times Square.
Drawing inspiration from the likes of Louis L’Amour, the video follows actress and real life cowgirl Jaci Hammons as she attempts to escape the grips of a snake oil salesman, with the help of a good samaritan cowboy she falls in love with. In many ways, the cinematic video is a hint at Paulette’s own experiences chronicled in The Girl I Was.
“To me, ‘Darlin’’ is a dramatized western parallel to my story of getting free, ‘The Lonesome Road to ‘Darlin.’’ There are little details in it that reference back to my real life,” Paulette, who is happily married and expecting her first child this fall, shared with CMT. “What we didn’t think would actually be a parallel was the fact that I am expecting my first baby girl right now, that was like a little wink from God to me, as I had already written the treatment for the video before finding out my husband and I were expecting. It’s so full circle, and represents the best of new beginnings.”
When reflecting on what she hopes fans will take away from the video, Paulette adds, “I hope people can watch this and see that there is life after getting out of a bad relationship, hope when you thought there wasn’t any and that God can redeem anything.”
Paulette most recently released “Hang Your Hat” as she prepares her sophomore album, her first since signing with Leo33. A continuation of her journey chronicled, “Hang Your Hat” details newfound love, dependable through the good times and the bad.
The Girl I Was (Red Dirt Deluxe) arrived in March, marking the one-year anniversary of The Girl I Was, which swiftly earned critical acclaim from outlets including People Magazine and Grammy.com.
Paulette is currently on the road with Aaron Watson as part of his The Armadillo Dance Hall Tour. For more information on new music and upcoming shows, visit jennapaulette.com or follow @JennaPaulette on all social platforms.
About Jenna Paulette:
A CMT Next Women of Country honoree and an Apple Music’s Country Riser, singer-songwriter Jenna Paulette — a cowgirl who came of age amid the gritty realities of ranch life — is part of Nashville’s growing wave of female artists who are rewriting the rules and charting their own paths. Paulette settled in Nashville in 2015, where she struck up a mentorship with Ashley Gorley – a veteran songwriter with 60+ No. 1 tunes under his belt – which ultimately led to her publishing deal with Sea Gayle Music in June 2021. Since collaborating with songwriters Will Bundy, Rhett Akins and Jessie Jo Dillion, as well as opening for Mason Ramsey, Parmalee, John Michael Montgomery, Clay Walker and most recently Aaron Watson, Paulette has landed brand partnerships with Justin Boots, Boot Barn, Ely Cattleman and Ranch Water.
The deluxe version of her debut album, The Girl I Was (Red Dirt Deluxe), is available now, showcasing Paulette’s finely calibrated blend of toughness and sensitivity in tracks like “Country In The Girl” and “Pretty Ugly.” Wearing her heart on her sleeve, Grammy.com remarked The Girl I Was as “transformative,” noting it “fuses the sounds of Twain and Miranda Lambert, tackling mental health with the somber ‘You Ain't No Cowboy’ and waxing philosophical on ‘Country In The Girl.’” As Paulette continues to tease her sophomore project, she most recently released “Darlin’” and “Hang Your Hat.” She continued to spotlight her authentic western lifestyle last year, performing the national anthem at the National Finals Rodeo, making her Grand Ole Opry Debut and performing in multiple festivals including CMA Fest. Paulette recently signed with independent label Leo33. For more information, visit www.jennapaulette.com.
