Nashville, Tennessee — In a rare and tender reflection, country music icon Jessi Colter opened up about her son, Shooter Jennings, revealing a side of their relationship few have ever seen — one rooted in deep respect, hard-won understanding, and a love that goes far beyond blood.
“He’s more than just my son,” Jessi said softly during a recent sit-down interview. “He’s one of the strongest souls I’ve ever known.”
Jessi, best known for her timeless hit “I’m Not Lisa” and her trailblazing work alongside her late husband Waylon Jennings, has often kept her private life close to the chest. But when asked about Shooter — now a respected artist and producer in his own right — her voice warmed with pride and emotion.
She recalled a moment from years ago, long before Shooter had found his footing in the music world. He was young, struggling to carry the weight of his father’s legacy while still discovering who he was meant to be. One night, after a long talk, Jessi found a note he had left on the piano: “Thanks for never giving up on me.”
“That note is still tucked inside my Bible,” she said, tears in her eyes. “I think it was the first time I realized just how much he was carrying — and how quietly he was doing it.”
Today, Shooter Jennings is not only a Grammy-winning producer and singer-songwriter, but a devoted father, husband, and student of the art he grew up with. While many expected him to walk in his father’s footsteps, he instead carved his own road — blending outlaw country, rock, and honest storytelling into something uniquely his.
“He’s a miracle to me,” Jessi said. “I see his father in him — his strength, his fire — but I also see something new. Something that’s just Shooter. And I couldn’t be prouder of the man he’s become.”
In a world that often looks at legacies as shadows to escape, Jessi and Shooter have found a way to honor theirs with grace. Their bond, built on music, faith, and unshakable love, has not only endured — it has grown stronger with time.
“He saved me, in ways he’ll never know,” she added. “He’s not just my son. He’s one of my greatest blessings.”