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5 Shocking Ways Lainey Wilson’s Yellowstone Role Changed Her Career (Including A Major 2025 CMA Win)

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Is Lainey Wilson in Yellowstone? The definitive answer is a resounding yes, and her appearance has become one of the most talked-about celebrity crossovers in the history of the hit Paramount Network series. As of today, December 22, 2025, the country superstar is not only a recurring actress on the show but is also riding a massive career wave that has seen her win the prestigious CMA Entertainer of the Year award for the second time, an achievement heavily amplified by her exposure on the Dutton Ranch drama.

Lainey Wilson, who portrays the aspiring country musician Abby, has seamlessly blended her authentic "Bell Bottom Country" style with the gritty Western world of Yellowstone. Her role, which began in Season 5, has been far more significant than a mere cameo, creating a deep connection between the show's massive audience and her chart-topping music.

Lainey Wilson's Complete Biography and Career Profile

Lainey Wilson’s journey from a small-town Louisiana girl living in a camper trailer to a multi-award-winning country music sensation and television actress is a testament to her perseverance and unique style. Her career is defined by a blend of traditional country storytelling and a distinctive retro aesthetic, which she calls "Bell Bottom Country."

  • Full Name: Lainey Denay Wilson
  • Born: May 19, 1992
  • Hometown: Baskin, Louisiana, U.S.
  • Musical Style: Country, Country Rock, Southern Rock (Self-described as "Bell Bottom Country")
  • Debut Album: Tougher (2016)
  • Breakthrough Album: Sayin' What I'm Thinkin' (2021)
  • Major Studio Album: Bell Bottom Country (2022)
  • Key Awards and Honors:
    • CMA Entertainer of the Year (2023, 2025)
    • CMA Female Vocalist of the Year (Multiple Wins)
    • CMA Album of the Year (for Bell Bottom Country)
    • ACM Female Artist of the Year
    • Multiple Billboard Music Awards and CMT Music Awards.

The Full Story: Lainey Wilson's Role as Abby in Yellowstone Season 5

Lainey Wilson’s involvement in Yellowstone was a natural progression from her music being featured on the show. Show creator Taylor Sheridan, known for his keen ear for authentic country and Western sounds, had already used several of her tracks to score pivotal scenes in earlier seasons.

How Taylor Sheridan Cast Lainey Wilson

The relationship between Wilson and the Yellowstone universe began with her songs. Tracks like "Workin' Overtime," "Rolling Stone," and the powerful "Smell Like Smoke" resonated so deeply with the show's themes of hard work and rural life that Sheridan eventually reached out. Wilson, who was already a massive fan, had publicly urged Sheridan to "give me the call."

Sheridan didn't just offer her a song placement; he created an entirely new, recurring character specifically for her: Abby, a country musician who performs at local Montana venues. This was a significant leap for Wilson, who had no prior professional acting experience. She admitted that taking the role was "scary" and that the film business was "crazier" than the music business, but the opportunity was too big to pass up.

Abby and Ryan: The Ranch Romance That Stole the Show

Abby's primary storyline revolves around her budding romance with one of the most beloved ranch hands, Ryan, played by actor Ian Bohen.

Their relationship is a classic Yellowstone dynamic: a free-spirited artist falling for a loyal, duty-bound cowboy. Their initial flirtation and passionate kiss in the first half of Season 5 quickly made them a fan-favorite couple. Wilson even joked about the difficulty of filming a kissing scene while wearing her signature cowboy hat, adding a layer of charming authenticity to the on-screen chemistry.

The romance hit a major snag when John Dutton (Kevin Costner) forced Ryan and other ranch hands to move the herd to Texas, essentially exiling him from the ranch and from Abby. In the dramatic mid-season finale, Abby was left heartbroken, stating she "won't wait" for a cowboy who can't choose her over the ranch. This cliffhanger leaves the status of the "Rabby" (Ryan and Abby) relationship unresolved, making her confirmed return in the final part of Season 5 one of the most anticipated plot points.

The Bell Bottom Country Effect: Songs Featured on Yellowstone

Lainey Wilson’s unique style and music are inseparable from her presence on Yellowstone. Her fashion, dominated by flared "bell-bottom" jeans, wide-brimmed hats, and a vintage aesthetic, perfectly complements the rugged, yet stylish, cowboy culture of the show. This connection is so strong that her album title, Bell Bottom Country, has become a movement.

The show has served as an unparalleled platform for her music, introducing her to millions of viewers who may not have been traditional country radio listeners.

Notable Lainey Wilson Songs Featured on Yellowstone:

  • "Smell Like Smoke": This down-home anthem was performed by Abby in Episode 3 of Season 5, instantly becoming a fan-favorite and a staple of the show's soundtrack.
  • "New Friends": A sentimental track that Wilson developed during the pandemic, it was featured during a poignant moment in the series, perfectly capturing themes of heartbreak and new beginnings.
  • "Watermelon Moonshine": While not explicitly performed by Abby in a major scene, many fans first discovered this hit song, which was later added to her Bell Bottom Country album, through its use in the show's background music.

What's Next for Lainey Wilson and the Final Season of Yellowstone?

With the final episodes of Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2 finally on the horizon, the focus is squarely on how Taylor Sheridan will conclude the Dutton saga—and whether Abby and Ryan will get their happy ending.

A Paramount representative has confirmed that Lainey Wilson will reprise her role as Abby for the final episodes. While production details have been slow, Wilson has provided updates, confirming that filming is still in progress as of late 2025.

Her return is crucial for resolving the "Rabby" storyline. Given Ryan's forced departure to Texas, fans are speculating whether Abby will follow him, or if Ryan will choose to abandon the Dutton legacy to pursue a life with the musician. The show’s creator has a history of dramatic and often tragic romantic plotlines, so nothing is guaranteed for the couple.

Regardless of the character's fate, Lainey Wilson's career has been permanently elevated by the Yellowstone phenomenon. Her acting debut has opened new doors, including a confirmed role in the feature film Reminders of Him, proving that her unique blend of music and authentic Western style is a powerful force in Hollywood and Nashville alike.

In summary, Lainey Wilson’s role as Abby is a perfect example of synergy between country music and the neo-Western genre. Her performances have added depth and authenticity to the show, while the show has propelled her to the highest echelon of country music stardom, culminating in her multiple CMA Entertainer of the Year wins. Her return in the final season is one of the most anticipated events, promising a dramatic conclusion to the cowboy-musician love story.

is lainey wilson in yellowstone
is lainey wilson in yellowstone

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