Then there’s the passion my husband and I share for snow skiing, especially in the exquisitely beautiful Rocky Mountains. My famous Cherokee ancestors helped settle Oklahoma-my great-great grandfather was a Cherokee chief! But more importantly, the American West is in my blood. Plus I cut my front teeth on TV shows set in the wild, wild West.

Growing up as an Army brat, I lived in several Western states, including Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas. But I still do things my way.” He is survived by his fourth wife, Jessi Colter, and their son, Shooter.Knowing I’ve written numerous Regency historicals, when people learn my body of work includes four classic Western tales, they ask me, “Where did those come from?”Īnd like any good author, I have a story or two to tell. As quoted by The New York Times, he once said, “As long as you are honest and upfront with me, I will be the same with you. He was also a class act as an artist and a man.” In the ’70s, with Nelson, Jennings performed such duets as “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys,” “Luckenbach” and “Good Hearted Woman.” Other hit singles included “I’m a Ramblin’ Man,” “Amanda,” “Lucille,” “I’ve Always Been Crazy” and “Rose in Paradise.” He also narrated and delivered the title song to the TV show “The Dukes of Hazard.” Throughout his lengthy professional life, however, Jennings refused to bend to the rules of Nashville. Emmylou Harris, 54, said Jennings “had a voice and a way with a song like no one else. “I’ll miss him immensely,” Cash, 69, told the Associated Press. “Waylon was a dear friend, one of the very best of 35 years,” said Johnny Cash, who recorded and toured with Jennings, Willie Nelson and Kristofferson as The Highwaymen. “Waylon Jennings was an American archetype, the bad guy with a big heart,” Kris Kristofferson told The New York Times. Though his image, with his rebellious songs and brash attitude, was that of an outlaw, fellow artists had great respect and affection for him. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in October. As a singer, songwriter and guitarist since the ’50s (when he played bass for Buddy Holly), Jennings recorded 60 albums and had 16 No. Leather-voiced country music icon Waylon Jennings, 64, died Wednesday at his home in Chandler, Ariz., after a long battle with diabetes-related health problems, according to news reports.

The Outlaw by Nicole Jordan