Country music pioneer Jessi Colter lived a life defined by legendary music movements and high-profile relationships. While millions recognize her enduring legacy alongside the late Waylon Jennings, her marital history spans three distinct chapters. Understanding her personal life means looking past the headlines to see how these unions shaped her path in Nashville and beyond.
Who is Jessi Colter Married To Now?
Jessi Colter married Arlin Brower on February 14, 2023. The couple tied the knot during an intimate ceremony at a horse-therapy ranch in Rio Verde, Arizona. Brower is a former heavy equipment contractor and an active horse breeder.
The wedding marked a quiet, peaceful new chapter for Colter decades after losing her iconic second husband. Choosing a ranch setting in her home state of Arizona reflected a return to her roots. Friends, family, and supporters celebrated the union when Colter shared the news publicly in the summer of 2023.
The Defining Years With Waylon Jennings
Before her marriage to Brower, Colter was famously married to outlaw country icon Waylon Jennings. The two met in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1968. They married on October 26, 1969, in a church where Colter's mother served as a minister.
This union formed the creative and emotional core of Colter's public identity. She adopted her stage name, Jessi Colter, around the time of their marriage, taking inspiration from an outlaw ancestor who rode with Jesse James. Together, they became pillars of the 1970s "outlaw country" movement alongside artists like Willie Nelson.
Colter contributed heavily to Jennings' artistic world, singing powerful duets like "I'm Not Lisa" and collaborating on the landmark 1976 album Wanted! The Outlaws. Their marriage weathered personal struggles, including Jennings' battle with severe drug addiction. Colter remained a steady, anchoring presence in his life until his death from diabetes-related complications on February 13, 2002. They shared one son, musician Waylon Albright "Shooter" Jennings.
Early Marriage to Guitar Legend Duane Eddy
Colter's first marriage was to rockabilly guitar innovator Duane Eddy. Born Miriam Johnson, a teenage Colter caught the attention of Eddy in her native Arizona. Eddy produced her early single "Lonesome Road", and the couple married in Las Vegas in 1961.
During this period, Colter performed and wrote songs under the name Mirriam Eddy. She penned tracks recorded by artists such as Dottie West, Don Gibson, and Nancy Sinatra. The couple shared a daughter named Jennifer. Creative differences and the pressures of constant touring strained the relationship, leading to their separation and subsequent divorce in 1968.
Timeline of Marriages
- Duane Eddy: Married in 1961; divorced in 1968.
- Waylon Jennings: Married on October 26, 1969; ended with Jennings' passing on February 13, 2002.
- Arlin Brower: Married on February 14, 2023; current union.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Jessi Colter marry Arlin Brower?
Jessi Colter and Arlin Brower married on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2023. They held their ceremony at a horse-therapy ranch in Rio Verde, Arizona.
How long was Jessi Colter married to Waylon Jennings?
Colter and Jennings were married for over 32 years, from October 1969 until Jennings passed away in February 2002.
Does Jessi Colter have children?
Yes, Colter has two children. She shares a daughter, Jennifer, with her first husband Duane Eddy, and a son, Shooter Jennings, with her second husband Waylon Jennings. Both children pursued paths connected to the arts and music industry.
What is Jessi Colter's real name?
Jessi Colter was born Miriam Johnson. She used the name Mirriam Eddy during her first marriage before adopting the stage name Jessi Colter in 1969 inspired by historical outlaw lore. Learn more about her historical context via the Country Music Hall of Fame.
