Lainey Wilson: From Louisiana Roots to Global Stardom and a Netflix Debut
For those yet to discover her, Lainey Wilson is a powerhouse in the contemporary country music scene, boasting a catalogue of songs that are sure to become staples on any music lover’s playlist. While she’s been a fixture in Nashville for the past decade, Wilson has rocketed into the mainstream spotlight over the last few years. Her recognisable face might also be familiar from her role in the hit television series Yellowstone.
Now, Wilson has even more cause for celebration. She’s just unveiled that she’s been working on a Netflix documentary chronicling her life and career. Here’s a deeper dive into who Lainey Wilson is, including a rather unique gig she held during her high school years.
The Making of a Country Star: Lainey Wilson’s Journey
Lainey Wilson hails from the small Louisiana town of Baskin, where her passion for music was nurtured from a young age. Her mother, a teacher, and her father, a farmer, instilled in her a strong work ethic that has clearly paid dividends.
During her high school days, Wilson took on an unusual but memorable role: a Hannah Montana impersonator. She entertained crowds at local fairs and parties, channelling Miley Cyrus’s iconic character. This early performance experience undoubtedly laid the groundwork for her future stage presence.
Following her graduation, Wilson made the move to Nashville with aspirations of making it big in music. Her early days were marked by humble beginnings, living in a camper trailer parked outside a recording studio. According to reports, the studio owner provided her with essential amenities like free water and electricity, a testament to her determination.
Lainey Wilson’s Discography and Accolades
Wilson’s musical output is impressive, with five studio albums to her name. Her discography includes:
- Lainey Wilson (self-titled, 2014)
- Tougher (2016)
- Saying’ What I’m Thinking (2021)
- Bell Bottom Country (2022)
- Whirlwind (2024)
Beyond her solo work, Wilson has collaborated with some of the biggest names in country music, lending her songwriting talents to tracks by artists like Luke Combs and Flatland Cavalry. She has also released popular duets, including “Never Say Never” with Cole Swindell and “Wait In The Truck” with HARDY.
Her recent years have been punctuated by a string of prestigious awards. Wilson has been recognised as CMA Female Vocalist of the Year in 2022, 2024, and 2025, solidifying her position as a leading female voice in the genre.
Stepping into the Spotlight: Lainey Wilson on Yellowstone
Wilson’s presence has extended beyond the music charts with her acting role in the critically acclaimed TV series Yellowstone. She portrays Abby, a musician who develops a romantic connection with Ryan, a ranch hand played by Ian Bohen, who works for Kevin Costner’s character, John Dutton.
Describing her initial foray into acting, Wilson told US Today Entertainment, “I didn’t really know what I was doing, but you go in there head-first. I was going to give people their money’s worth.” She even humorously warned her parents, “You might not want to watch this show. I don’t want to be on their prayer list.”
Wilson made her memorable debut in the fifth season of Yellowstone, performing one of her own hit songs, “Watermelon Moonshine.” Furthermore, her track “Working Overtime” was featured in the opening episode of the show’s second season, seamlessly integrating her music into the narrative.
What’s Next for Lainey Wilson? Acting, Fashion, and More
While Wilson is currently riding a wave of success in country music, she’s also keen to explore further opportunities in front of the camera. In a 2023 interview with HELLO!, she expressed her desire to act more, stating, “That’s one of the next goals, honestly. You know, this was my first acting gig. I absolutely want to just keep stepping outside of my comfort zone.”
Wilson is keeping an open mind about her future endeavours, with no limits placed on her ambitions. A potential fashion line is also on the horizon. She revealed that she receives “daily” messages from fans urging her to launch a bell-bottom line, a fitting tribute to her album Bell Bottom Country. Her existing collaborations with brands like Wrangler suggest she’s already well-versed in the fashion world.
Love and Life: Lainey Wilson’s Engagement to Devlin ‘Duck’ Hodges
In February 2024, Wilson announced her engagement to her boyfriend, Devlin ‘Duck’ Hodges. The singer shared a series of heartwarming photos capturing the moment Hodges proposed, captioning them with a lyric from one of her popular songs: “4x4xU forever,” a sweet declaration of her love.
Devlin ‘Duck’ Hodges is a former professional football quarterback who earned his nickname during his time at Samford University in Alabama. He has since transitioned into a career in real estate.
The couple began dating in 2021, but their relationship didn’t become public until 2023 when they attended the ACM Awards together. Reflecting on their first date with PEOPLE, Wilson recalled, “We went to this old place called Silverados, and it had free beer and wine from 5 to 10 p.m. I was like, ‘This boy likes to ball on a budget too. This is gonna work out’.” Their shared appreciation for value and good times clearly laid a strong foundation for their relationship.
