Country superstar Lainey Wilson is reflecting on her remarkable journey to the top of the music industry, emphasizing her desire for fans to witness her path to success. In a recent interview with Postmedia, Wilson discussed her career, her Netflix documentary, and a poignant full-circle moment with fellow Louisianan Tim McGraw.
From Fan Letter to Duet Partner
In the Netflix documentary Lainey Wilson: Keepin’ Country Cool, Wilson is shown reading a letter she sent to Tim McGraw when she was a teenager. The letter, written at age 18, informed McGraw that she was studying nursing at Louisiana Delta Community College but that singing, writing, and performing were paramount. She included a CD of her songs and proposed a meeting. McGraw did not respond at the time.
Earlier this month, Wilson finally met McGraw backstage at CM Fest in Nashville, where they performed his 1995 hit I Like It, I Love It together. According to People magazine, McGraw was embarrassed about never responding to Wilson’s letter and penned a belated reply, handing it to her backstage.
“He grew up right down the road from me, like 10 miles down the road,” Wilson said. “My very first concert was the Down on the Farm tour, and my mama took me and sister in a little double stroller. We showed up. We were there to have a good time and experience something that we never had. Things like that did not come to northeast Louisiana a lot. I’m from a town of 170 people. I got to see that a dude from that area did it. I got to see that, if I wanted to, I could chase a dream just like he did. He left that area. He left his family and everything that he knew to chase this thing that was put in his heart, and so he has been a big inspiration to me.”
A Role Model for Aspiring Artists
Wilson now occupies a similar position to McGraw’s 15 years ago. She has earned multiple No. 1 hits, a Grammy, and induction into the Grand Ole Opry. She has been named Entertainer of the Year twice by the Country Music Association. This success makes her a role model for young hopefuls entering the competitive industry.
When told that a 13-year-old local singer-songwriter cited her as an inspiration during an interview last year previewing the Country Thunder 2025 festival, Wilson said, “That means a lot. It means that I have people watching, which is a good thing and a scary thing, and it also holds me accountable. I want people to see my journey.”
Documentary Reveals Struggles and Success
Wilson was scheduled to headline Country Thunder on Sunday before the festival was abruptly cancelled. She has always been open about sharing her story. The Netflix documentary, released in April, offers an intimate look at her journey, highlighting not only her success and romance with former NFL quarterback Devlin (Duck) Hodges but also her early professional struggles and mental-health issues.
In the film, Wilson addresses the misconception of overnight success: “I’ve been here 14 years, so a 14-year overnight success. I spent a decade being the one you didn’t see coming.”
