**Lainey Wilson Opens Up About Love, Mental Health, and Life Beyond Music**
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In a heartfelt interview with PEOPLE, country music sensation Lainey Wilson shares her thoughts on managing fame, mental health, and personal aspirations outside of her music career. The 33-year-old star, whose Netflix documentary, “Lainey Wilson: Keepin’ Country Cool,” will premiere on April 22, details her rise to stardom, her struggles with mental health, and her recent journey into egg freezing.
While on a photoshoot in Los Angeles, the adored singer was seen transitioning from her glamorous country star persona to a more casual, off-duty style. This duality reflects Wilson’s balancing act between her burgeoning fame and remaining connected to her more grounded self. “I feel like I have the best of both worlds,” she told PEOPLE, implying a sense of comfort in both roles — the public figure and the everyday woman.
Since her breakout single “Things a Man Oughta Know” in 2019, Wilson has ascended to the forefront of country music, earning accolades such as a Grammy, nine No. 1 hits on country radio, and a recurring acting role in the popular television series “Yellowstone.” She admits that even after spending 15 years in Nashville, the magnitude of her recent success has taken her by surprise. With the highly anticipated Stagecoach music festival just around the corner, the excitement surrounding her career is palpable.
The upcoming documentary promises an intimate look into Wilson’s life, showcasing her personal highs, including her engagement to former NFL player Devlin “Duck” Hodges, who proposed in February 2025, as well as her trials with mental health issues. Wilson’s upbringing in the small town of Baskin, Louisiana, shaped her heartfelt approach to music and life. Raised by a farmer father and a schoolteacher mother, she began writing songs at the tender age of nine, often channeling her childhood idol, Hannah Montana.
At 19, Wilson moved to Nashville in a camper trailer and spent nearly a decade honing her craft before signing a major label deal in 2018. The relentless pace of her rising career brought significant challenges, leading her to experience anxiety and depression amidst a demanding schedule. Fortunately, influential advice from country legend Reba McEntire helped Wilson navigate her struggles. McEntire’s encouragement to work for others ignited a fresh perspective for Wilson, allowing her to channel her energy into performances.
For Wilson, connecting with her audience remains essential. During her recent whirlwind tour, she invited young girls to join her onstage, empowering them by affirming their beauty and talent. This philosophy underscores her commitment to provide support beyond music. “Trophies and awards are things that come along with success, but they cannot define me as a person,” she remarked. This principle serves as a grounding force for Wilson amid her rising fame.
At the heart of her stability, Wilson credits her fiancé Hodges. Having met through mutual friends in 2021, she values a relationship that allows her to be her authentic self. “[Hodges] loves Lainey way more than Lainey Wilson,” she explains, noting how he appreciates the hard work and dedication that have come with her career. Their private life in Nashville has a simple charm, often consisting of intimate evenings spent with their dogs and enjoying good food.
Reflecting on their engagement, Wilson describes the moment Hodges proposed at the home of country icon George Jones as one of her happiest memories. “He makes me want to be a better person,” she said, emphasising their strong partnership. As Wilson’s star continues to rise, she remains committed to preserving her sense of wonder and authenticity, aspiring to live life to the fullest.
“Being fearless got me here,” Wilson concludes, embodying the spirit of someone who is determined to seize every opportunity. Fans eager for more insights into her journey can catch the full cover story in this week’s issue of PEOPLE, available on newsstands from Friday.