One of the main reasons behind Yellowstone’s success is its stellar cast. The makers of the neo-Western drama have brought a talented ensemble on board in the main cast as well as guest roles.
The show had another exciting addition in the fifth season as country singer Lainey Wilson joined the cast. She plays Abby, also a country singer, in the series. Wilson’s voice has been heard on Yellowstone for years, as many of her songs are featured on the soundtrack.
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The series marks the Grammy-winning singer’s acting debut. Wilson is seen in several episodes of season 5A and becomes an integral part of the narrative as Abby sparks a romance with Ryan.
Lainey Wilson plays Abby, a country singer and Ryan’s love interest in Yellowstone
Lainey Wilson first appears in Yellowstone in the debut episode of season 5. She stars as Abby, the country singer who performs at the celebration of John Dutton’s win as the Governor of Montana. She sings at the Dutton ranch and comes across Beth Dutton.
The two have a conversation about Abby’s outfit and her willingness to date a cowboy. The singer explicitly states that she is not interested in cowboys, though she does like to look at them. Abby says a cowboy will always love his life more than her, and that is why she does not want to date one.
As fate would have it, this is exactly what happens to her as she eventually falls for Ryan, who later chooses his ranch life over her. Ryan and Abby lock eyes in the same episode and dance together after the cowboy pulls her close by throwing a lasso around her.
Sparks fly between the two immediately, and Ryan wants to take the romance forward. On the other hand, Abby is still apprehensive about dating a cowboy and tells him they do not have a future together.
Wilson then appears in three more episodes as Abby ends up having feelings for Ryan. Their romance continues until Abby’s worst fear comes true and Ryan decides to leave Montana to move the herd to Texas.
As Ryan prepares to move away for a year, he tells Abby that he wants to chase his dream, something the singer can relate to. The two share a kiss and Abby is left heartbroken, but she lets Ryan go.
Will Lainey Wilson appear in Yellowstone season 5B?
Lainey Wilson has neither confirmed nor denied whether she will reprise her role in the final episodes of Yellowstone season 5. However, her return to the show was confirmed in September 2024 when a casting call was posted in Fort Worth, Texas, looking for extras for a scene involving Abby’s concert.
Ian Bohen, who plays Ryan, has also hinted that Wilson could be seen again, leading to another encounter between them. In an interview with CBS Mornings, the actor praised Wilson for her performance in the show.
Bohen added that in season 5A, Ryan left his love to pursue his journey as a cowboy. However, he will get another shot to change his life in season 5B. He said:
“He will have an opportunity to revisit that choice, and you’re gonna have to wait and see, but it will be presented to him what the rest of his life is going to look like. You’re gonna watch him choose his path, that’s as much as I can say about it. So please tune in, but all your questions will be answered.”
Hence, one can assume Wilson is not just a celebrity guest in Yellowstone, but will have a significant role to play in the overall plot. Abby's and Ryan’s relationship could change the latter’s priorities and he might choose her over his ranch life.
Yellowstone season 5B premieres on Paramount Network on November 10, 2024.
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