Country music sensation Lainey Wilson has made waves in both Nashville and Hollywood, thanks to her breakout role on Yellowstone and her rapidly growing music career. Known for her soulful voice, unique style, and unapologetic personality, Wilson is experiencing a career boom. In a candid interview with Vanity Fair, the artist reflects on her time portraying Abby on Yellowstone, her deep connection with showrunner Taylor Sheridan, and her thoughts on the Western trend taking over pop culture.
A Star on the Rise: Lainey Wilson’s Journey to Yellowstone
In 2022, Wilson, who had already established herself as a rising star in country music, stepped onto the set of Yellowstone. She took on the role of Abby, a soulful country singer and close friend to the Dutton family. The character was specifically created with her in mind by none other than Taylor Sheridan, the mastermind behind the show.
For Wilson, it was an exciting but daunting leap into acting. “This was my first real acting job,” she laughs. “Besides when I impersonated Hannah Montana at birthday parties in high school!” Despite her initial lack of formal acting experience, Wilson quickly found her stride. Sheridan’s belief in her talent helped her build confidence, and the role became a defining moment in her career.
“I had never really acted before,” she admits. “But Taylor saw something in me and thought I could do it.”
Wilson’s rise to fame on Yellowstone went hand-in-hand with her success in the country music world. By 2023, she had become the first woman since Taylor Swift to win the prestigious Entertainer of the Year award at the CMAs. And as if that wasn’t enough, she was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry by none other than Reba McEntire.
From Country Music to Hollywood: A Deep Friendship with Taylor Sheridan
Wilson’s relationship with Taylor Sheridan, the creative force behind Yellowstone, goes beyond their professional collaboration. The two first connected at a horse-reining competition, bonding over their shared love of horses and their contrasting lives. What began as a mutual respect for one another blossomed into a true friendship.
“Taylor’s been a big supporter of mine, both personally and professionally,” she says. “He just really believes in me. And the friendship we have has been such a blessing.”
When Sheridan created the character of Abby, it was with Wilson’s personality and essence in mind. As she prepares to return for the Yellowstone season finale, Wilson is overwhelmed by the journey she’s been on. “It’s wild to think about how much has changed since then,” she says. “I’ve grown as a musician, an actress, and as a person, and I owe a lot of that to Yellowstone and to Taylor.”
Wilson’s deep connection to Sheridan and the show has made her a fixture of the Yellowstone world, and she credits the series with helping to elevate not just her career, but also the culture of country music and Western influence that the show champions.
The Western Trend: Why the Cowboy Aesthetic Is Here to Stay
Wilson’s role on Yellowstone also dovetails with the resurgence of Western culture and country music in mainstream pop culture. In recent years, there’s been a significant revival of cowboy aesthetics, from denim to boots to big, bold hats. Wilson, who has always embraced Western style, says the trend isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
“I’ve always been into the cowboy look,” she admits. “Ever since 2016, I’ve been rocking bell-bottoms and big hats, long before it was cool. It just feels like me.”
Wilson points to the growing interest in Western culture, particularly among younger generations, as proof that this trend has staying power. “It’s cool to see young people embracing that country lifestyle,” she says. “The whole cowboy culture is authentic, and people are craving authenticity right now.”
She credits Yellowstone and Taylor Sheridan for playing a huge role in that resurgence. “The way Sheridan has brought Western culture into the mainstream with this show is incredible. People are craving real, unpolished authenticity, and Yellowstone taps into that,” she explains.
As a country artist, Wilson also embraces this authenticity in her music. Her song “Country’s Cool Again” speaks directly to the way Western style and country values are being embraced by younger audiences, and she’s thrilled to be part of this cultural shift.
Breaking the Mold: Lainey Wilson’s Bold Fashion Choices
Wilson is known for her bold and often unconventional fashion choices, which set her apart from other artists in the country music scene. From her signature bell-bottom jeans to her oversized hats, Wilson’s style is a perfect reflection of her larger-than-life persona.
“I knew I had to stand out when I got into the business,” she says. “I wasn’t going to fit in with skinny jeans and a ball cap. I wanted my style to be fresh but familiar. It’s about expressing who I am through both my music and my look.”
For Wilson, wearing bell-bottoms and cowboy hats wasn’t just about fashion—it was about making a statement. “Sometimes you have to show up and say, ‘This is who I am.’ It might not be for everyone, but if it speaks to you, then that’s what matters.”
Her unique style has proven to be a winning formula. As her popularity has grown, so has the demand for her music and her persona. Wilson is proud of how far she’s come, but she’s also deeply grateful for the journey. “I’ve learned so much over the years, and the most important lesson is to listen to my gut,” she says. “That’s what got me here.”
Embracing New Beginnings: Lainey Wilson’s Next Chapter
As she takes a break from the whirlwind of touring, recording, and acting, Wilson is looking ahead to the next chapter of her career. “It feels like a new era,” she says. “I’m shedding old skin and stepping into the next phase of who I am.”
Wilson is embracing this shift with a focus on her personal life, finding joy in the simple things—whether it’s spending time with her family, her boyfriend (former NFL player Devlin “Duck” Hodges), or just being herself.
“I’m learning every day,” she says. “At the end of the day, we’re all more alike than we think. It’s about being authentic, staying true to who you are, and continuing to learn and grow.”
