Introduction:
Jessi Colter Strikes $13.5 Million Netflix Deal for 7-Part Docuseries on Her Legendary Life and Love with Waylon Jennings
In a moment that has electrified both the country music and entertainment industries, legendary singer-songwriter Jessi Colter has signed a $13.5 million deal with Netflix to bring her life story — and the unforgettable love she shared with outlaw icon Waylon Jennings — to the screen. The upcoming 7-part limited docuseries, tentatively titled “Wanted: The Colter & Jennings Story,” promises to capture not only the music but also the rebellion, resilience, and romance that defined one of the most influential partnerships in American music.
A Queen of Outlaw Country
At 81 years old, Jessi Colter remains one of the last living torchbearers of the outlaw country movement — a trailblazing era in the 1970s that defied Nashville’s polished, formula-driven sound. Colter, born Miriam Johnson in Phoenix, Arizona, carved her own place in history with a voice that was both tender and unyielding. Her breakout hit, “I’m Not Lisa” (1975), introduced audiences worldwide to her soulful delivery and fearless artistry, while her collaborations with Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Tompall Glaser on “Wanted! The Outlaws” became a cornerstone of the genre.
Unlike many women of her time, Colter was not content to stand in the shadow of male counterparts. She was fiercely independent, writing much of her own material, and performing with a conviction that demanded respect. Yet her story is not simply about a music career — it is also about how love, loss, and faith shaped her path.
The Love Story That Changed Country Music
At the heart of this docuseries is Colter’s legendary romance with Waylon Jennings. Their relationship began in the late 1960s, a time when Jennings himself was navigating the highs and lows of stardom. Known for his rugged charisma and rebellious streak, Jennings became one of the central figures of outlaw country — and Colter was both his partner in life and in music.
Their marriage in 1969 was far from conventional. Together, they endured the turbulence of Waylon’s struggles with addiction, the demands of relentless touring, and the pressures of fame. Yet through it all, their love endured. Jennings often credited Colter with saving his life — offering him strength, stability, and spiritual grounding when the temptations of the music world threatened to consume him.
The docuseries aims to go beyond the headlines, exploring the human side of their bond: the sacrifices Colter made, the resilience she showed, and the faith that guided both of them through triumph and trial. For fans, it is not just the tale of two musicians, but of a couple whose devotion defined their legacy as much as their records.
A Cultural Rebellion on Screen
Netflix’s “Wanted: The Colter & Jennings Story” is expected to dive deep into the outlaw country movement itself — a cultural rebellion that shook the foundations of American music. Alongside Colter and Jennings, figures like Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, and Johnny Cash stood against the highly commercialized Nashville establishment.
This was music stripped of artifice, with songs about real struggles, loneliness, freedom, and survival. Colter’s unique perspective as a woman in the movement provides an especially compelling lens. While outlaw country was often painted as a man’s world, Colter proved that women not only belonged in the movement — they helped define it.
From Gold Records to Netflix Spotlight
For Colter, this docuseries is more than just a retrospective. It is a chance to cement her place in history while sharing untold chapters of her life with a new generation. While she has released multiple acclaimed albums, written a memoir (An Outlaw and a Lady, 2017), and performed on the world’s grandest stages, this project represents the most ambitious telling of her story yet.
The series is expected to feature rare archival footage, intimate interviews, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into both Colter’s career and her partnership with Jennings. Family members, fellow musicians, and industry insiders are also slated to appear, adding depth and authenticity to the portrait of two artists who lived unapologetically and loved without boundaries.
A Legacy That Lives On
Jessi Colter’s journey is not just about music; it is about endurance, faith, and the courage to live life on her own terms. Even after Waylon Jennings’ passing in 2002, Colter has carried their legacy forward — performing, writing, and inspiring generations of musicians who view her as a trailblazer.
The Netflix series will serve as both a celebration and a reflection — a chance to honor the highs, acknowledge the lows, and appreciate the lasting influence of Colter and Jennings. For longtime fans, it will be a walk down memory lane filled with familiar songs and stories. For younger viewers, it will be a revelation: proof that country music’s rebel heart still beats strong.
Conclusion
With “Wanted: The Colter & Jennings Story,” Netflix is not just producing a music documentary — it is creating a sweeping tribute to love, resilience, and the unbreakable spirit of two icons who changed country music forever. Jessi Colter’s $13.5 million deal is more than a headline — it is a recognition of a life lived with passion, a career that defied boundaries, and a love story that continues to inspire.