Lainey Wilson – Tough as Nails: Everything You Need to Know About the Newest Country Music Hall of Fame Exhibit

In just one more step in the whirlwind of Lainey Wilson’s sparkling career, an exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame exploring the country singer’s ascent to stardom has been announced.

The museum opened the exhibit on July 18, with it being aptly titled ‘Lainey Wilson: Tough as Nails.'

Upon the exhibit's opening, the Grammy-winning entertainer shared, "This moment feels surreal and I can't even begin to express how deeply grateful I am. I'm just so honored to have my very own exhibit here at the Country Music Hall of Fame–that just sounds crazy coming out of my mouth, to be honest with you."

Continuing on to express her reverence for the genre and its legacy, she added, "I've always respected the history of country music, and I wanted to learn more about this genre that is rooted in truth and in damn good stories. I cannot believe now that I've got an exhibit of my own.

"I have never been more proud of the fact that my mama was a hoarder until now. She kept it all because she believed that I could!"

Digging into the 'Watermelon Moonshine' singer’s life, journey and music, 'Tough As Nails' has been curated to explore the Louisiana native’s ascent to stardom and her identity both as a pragmatic farmer’s daughter and the free-spirited originator of “bell bottom country.”

Wilson's known for her bold, fun Western style, and the exhibit is home to some of her best looks, including her 2023 CMA Awards hat and jumpsuit, her red high school prom dress, a series of costumes from music videos for herself and musical friends like Jelly Roll and HARDY, and the funky outfit she was wearing when she made her Grand Ole Opry debut on February 14, 2020.

We know that Wilson is endlessly proud of her homegrown country roots, in fact, they might just be what’s made her 'Tough As Nails,' so it’s no surprise that the exhibition is also the new home to gems like her childhood saddle, her high school cheerleading squad outfit, her Girl Scout vest, first guitar, yearbooks and plenty of other gems from her early days in Baskin, Louisiana.

Her journal she kept when she was just sixteen is giving us an impression of how ambitious teenage Lainey was: “My dream is to become a country singer/songwriter. I know I can do it,” she wrote. Alongside journal entries from the future star, patrons can also catch the handwritten lyrics to her first songs, like 'Lucky Me,' and other moments in time from her adolescence.

Another highlight from the exhibit includes the costumes worn while she worked as a Hannah Montana impersonator, blonde wigs and setlists to boot.

With countless more gems to be seen, stories to be heard and secrets to be told, this exhibit is a must see for any fans of the 'Somewhere Over Laredo' songbird.

The exhibition will be running until June 20, 2026, giving fans plenty of time to head over to Nashville and learn just a bit more about what made Lainey Wilson the legendary bell-bottom-wearing queen she is.

It follows on from the 'Luke Combs: The Man I Am' exhibition that explored the North Carolina singer’s roots, and will be sitting alongside the 'Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker' exhibit, meaning Wilson is in very good company.

For more information on Lainey Wilson: Tough As Nails, including dates, tickets and exhibit details, head here.

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