From Hellraiser to Elder Statesperson
Jennings’ pop culture stamp on the 1980s, a time when his rowdy friends settled down, brought us his role as the narrator on The Dukes of Hazzard and his stint with supergroup The Highwaymen alongside Nelson, Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson.
As neo-traditionalists of the ’80s and the megastars of the ’90s emerged, Jennings (along with Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn and others) was among the living legends still hitting the road and charting singles. Indeed, Jennings’ No. 5 hit “Wrong” came in 1990, giving him Top 5 hits in four consecutive decades.
Jennings died on Feb. 13, 2002 at his Chandler, Ariz. home from complications from diabetes. The news came just months after his 2001 induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. His legacy is carried on by his youngest child Shooter Jennings, who understands that the best way to be like his dad is to be himself.