Country music star Lainey Wilson and former NFL quarterback Devlin “Duck” Hodges are officially engaged! After four years of dating, the couple confirmed the news this week, sharing glimpses of their special moment on social media.
Wilson, known for her chart-topping hits and breakout role in Yellowstone, and Hodges, a former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, have been together since 2021. Their engagement is the latest milestone in their love story, which began through mutual friends in Nashville.
A Romantic Proposal With a Personal Touch
Wilson, 32, and Hodges, 28, shared their engagement news with fans by posting photos of the proposal, which took place in a beautifully decorated setting featuring candles, roses, and framed photos from their relationship.
Adding a personal touch, Hodges presented the engagement ring in a cowboy hat box, a fitting gesture for Wilson, whose signature Western style has made her a standout in country music.
“I said YES! I can’t wait to spend forever with my best friend,” Wilson wrote in her Instagram announcement.
The engagement ring, which has a cluster of diamonds rather than a single stone, reflects Wilson’s unique, vintage-inspired style.
How Did Lainey Wilson & Devlin Hodges Meet?
The couple met in 2021 through mutual friends in the Nashville music scene but kept their relationship private for years.
Their first public appearance together was at the 2023 Academy of Country Music Awards, where they made their red-carpet debut.
Since then, Hodges has been a strong supporter of Wilson’s career, frequently attending her concerts and award shows. Wilson has credited him with inspiring some of her love songs, a shift from her previous focus on independence and heartbreak themes.
“He knows how important this dream is to me,” Wilson told American Songwriter in a past interview.
Who Is Devlin “Duck” Hodges?
Many NFL fans will remember Devlin Hodges from his time as a quarterback with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019.
- College Career: Played for Samford University, where he set the record for most career passing yards in FCS history.
- NFL Career: Signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019 as an undrafted free agent. He earned the nickname “Duck” due to his success in competitive duck calling.
- Retirement: After a brief stint with the Los Angeles Rams, Hodges retired from football in 2022.
- New Career: Currently, he works as a real estate agent in Nashville, Tennessee.
Lainey Wilson’s Rise to Fame
Wilson has become one of the biggest names in country music over the last few years.
- Grammy Award Winner: Recognized for her hit “Heart Like a Truck” and her contributions to country music.
- “Yellowstone” Appearance: Played a recurring role as Abby in the popular TV series.
- 2025 “Whirlwind” Tour: Currently preparing for a global tour starting in March 2025.
What’s Next for the Couple?
While no wedding date has been announced, Wilson and Hodges are reportedly taking their time planning their big day.
“Right now, we’re just enjoying the moment. We’ll figure out the details later,” Wilson shared in an interview with Entertainment Tonight.
Given Wilson’s busy tour schedule and Hodges’ career shift to real estate, the couple is balancing their engagement with professional commitments.
Reactions From Fans & Fellow Country Stars
The country music world has rallied around Wilson, with fellow artists sending congratulatory messages:
- Miranda Lambert: “So happy for you, sister! Wishing you both a lifetime of love.”
- Luke Combs: “Y’all are perfect together—congrats, Duck and Lainey!”
- Carrie Underwood: “Beautiful couple! Wishing you all the happiness in the world.”
Fans have also flooded social media with support, celebrating Wilson’s engagement while looking forward to her upcoming tour.
Final Thoughts
Lainey Wilson and Devlin Hodges’ engagement is a perfect blend of country music and sports, bringing together two passionate, hardworking individuals who have supported each other’s dreams.
With wedding bells in the future and a world tour on the horizon, 2025 is shaping up to be a big year for Lainey Wilson.
Wilson’s love story with Hodges proves that sometimes, the best things happen when you least expect them—just like a good country song.
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A senior at Yale-NUS College with interests in developmental and labour economics, as well as creative non-fiction and poetry. Currently, I’m studying as an Economics major and an Arts and Humanities minor (focusing on Creative Writing) with heavy involvement in the Singaporean journalism scene and involved in research on economic history and educational policy. I’m working as an author for The Octant, Yale-NUS’ student publication, as a writer for Wingspan, Yale-NUS’ alumni magazine, and as a tutor for the NUS Libraries Writer’s Centre. | Linkedin