Lainey Wilson Husband: From Their First Date to Marriage in Tennessee
· Carl
Country music star Lainey Wilson has entered an exciting new chapter in her personal life after marrying former NFL quarterback Devlin “Duck” Hodges in a romantic Tennessee ceremony. The Grammy-winning singer and her longtime partner exchanged vows at Ruskin Cave in Dickson, choosing a setting that reflected their shared love of the outdoors. Their wedding followed years of dating, a memorable engagement and a relationship that Wilson initially kept private while her country music career was taking off.
Wilson, known for songs including Heart Like a Truck, Watermelon Moonshine and 4x4xU, has often spoken about the encouragement she receives from Hodges. The former football player has supported her at major award ceremonies, concerts and professional milestones. Their relationship began in Nashville in 2021 and gradually developed into one of country music’s most recognizable romances.
Who Is Lainey Wilson’s Husband?
Lainey Wilson’s husband is Devlin “Duck” Hodges, a former professional American football quarterback who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
After leaving professional football, Hodges pursued business opportunities, including real estate and an outdoor lifestyle brand.
He became publicly known as Wilson’s boyfriend in May 2023 when the couple attended the Academy of Country Music Awards together.
Their relationship had already been developing privately for approximately two years.
Hodges proposed in February 2025, and the couple married on May 10, 2026.
Although Wilson is internationally recognized for her music, Hodges has his own professional background and interests.
He is particularly passionate about football, golf, hunting and outdoor activities.
Wilson has frequently described her husband as someone who understands the dedication required to build a successful career.
Their shared work ethic has become an important part of their relationship.
Lainey Wilson and Devlin Hodges Get Married in Tennessee
Lainey Wilson and Devlin Hodges married on May 10, 2026, at Ruskin Cave in Dickson, Tennessee.
The couple selected the unusual wedding location after noticing a billboard for the property while driving through Tennessee.
According to Wilson, Hodges casually suggested that they could get married there.
The singer liked the idea, and they later visited the property together.
Both were impressed by its natural surroundings and peaceful atmosphere.
Rather than choosing a traditional luxury wedding venue, they preferred somewhere that reflected their personalities.
The cave setting offered a distinctive backdrop for their ceremony.
It also connected with their shared appreciation for outdoor experiences and country living.
Their wedding came approximately fifteen months after they announced their engagement.
The marriage marked an important milestone for Wilson, who had previously admitted that she spent much more time dreaming about her music career than planning a wedding.
How Did Lainey Wilson and Duck Hodges Meet?
Lainey Wilson and Devlin Hodges met through mutual friends in Nashville.
Their relationship began in 2021, when Wilson was continuing to establish herself in the country music industry.
Hodges had already gained attention through his football career.
Their first meeting developed into a romantic connection, although they initially avoided making the relationship public.
Wilson later explained that she wanted to understand Hodges’ intentions before discussing their romance openly.
Her career was becoming increasingly successful, and she wanted a relationship based on genuine affection rather than public attention.
The couple spent time getting to know each other away from cameras.
Their shared interests and similar attitudes toward work helped strengthen the connection.
By the time they appeared together at an awards ceremony in 2023, they had already been dating for approximately two years.
Inside Lainey Wilson and Duck Hodges’ First Date
Lainey Wilson and Devlin Hodges had their first date at Silverados, a dance hall and saloon in Nashville.
The location was known for live music and inexpensive drinks.
Wilson later recalled that the venue offered complimentary beer and wine during certain evening hours.
She found the choice amusing because it suggested Hodges appreciated having a good time without spending unnecessarily.
That practical attitude appealed to her.
Wilson grew up in a small Louisiana community and has often spoken about the importance of staying grounded.
Hodges’ relaxed personality and straightforward approach helped make their first date memorable.
The evening also gave them an opportunity to talk without the formality associated with celebrity events.
Their connection continued developing after that meeting.
What began as an ordinary night out eventually led to a long-term relationship and marriage.
Why Is Lainey Wilson’s Husband Called Duck?
Devlin Hodges is widely known by his nickname, Duck.
The nickname originated during his college football career at Samford University in Alabama.
According to Wilson, one of Hodges’ college coaches compared him with a former quarterback who had also been called Duck.
The nickname eventually caught on among his teammates.
Over time, it became closely associated with his football identity.
Fans continued calling him Duck when he entered professional football.
Wilson has also embraced the nickname.
She once joked that during their first date, she told Hodges her friends called her Goose.
The remark was playful rather than factual, but it helped create an amusing connection between them.
The Duck and Goose story has since become one of the more recognizable anecdotes about their relationship.
Who Is Devlin “Duck” Hodges?
Devlin Hodges is a former American football quarterback who played professionally in the NFL and Canadian Football League.
He was born on April 12, 1996, in Kimberly, Alabama.
Hodges developed his football skills during his school years before attending Samford University.
He became a standout quarterback during his college career.
His performances attracted attention because of his passing ability and competitive approach.
Although he was not selected in the NFL Draft, he continued pursuing opportunities in professional football.
He eventually joined the Pittsburgh Steelers.
His journey from an undrafted college player to an NFL quarterback demonstrated considerable determination.
That experience is something Wilson has said she admires.
She has explained that Hodges understands the effort involved in chasing a difficult professional dream.
Devlin Hodges’ NFL Career With the Pittsburgh Steelers
Devlin Hodges became known to football fans during his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
He joined the organization in 2019 after going undrafted.
Despite the challenges facing an undrafted quarterback, Hodges earned opportunities to demonstrate his abilities.
He made his first NFL start against the Los Angeles Chargers in October 2019.
His performances attracted attention from Steelers supporters.
Fans embraced his nickname, Duck, and his unexpected rise became a popular story during the season.
Hodges appeared in several games for Pittsburgh and gained valuable professional experience.
He remained associated with the team into 2020.
His football career later included a move to the Los Angeles Rams in 2021.
However, he did not establish a long-term playing role with the organization.
Despite the uncertainty, his NFL experience remained an important professional achievement.
Why Did Devlin Hodges Retire From Football?
After his NFL career, Devlin Hodges continued playing professional football in Canada.
He joined the Ottawa Redblacks of the Canadian Football League.
The move provided another opportunity to compete professionally.
However, Hodges eventually decided to step away from the sport.
He announced his retirement from professional football in April 2022.
The decision marked the end of a career that had included college football, the NFL and the CFL.
Following retirement, Hodges began exploring other professional interests.
His experience as an athlete continued influencing his approach to business and personal development.
Wilson has praised his determination and understanding of professional challenges.
Their relationship developed during the period when Hodges was transitioning away from football.
Both were therefore experiencing significant career changes while building their connection.
What Does Lainey Wilson’s Husband Do Now?
Following his retirement from professional football, Devlin Hodges developed interests in real estate and entrepreneurship.
He worked with Mossy Oak Properties in Louisiana before joining Myers Cobb Realtors in April 2024.
His involvement in real estate reflected a move toward business opportunities outside professional sports.
However, his current day-to-day involvement in the property industry has not been clearly established.
Hodges has also pursued business interests connected to outdoor recreation.
He founded Club Country, a brand combining golf culture with an appreciation for outdoor activities.
The business reflects his personal interests in hunting, golf and spending time outside.
He has also shared hunting-related content through YouTube.
These activities demonstrate that his professional life has continued developing since he left football.
Although Wilson’s music career attracts substantial public attention, Hodges maintains interests and business projects of his own.
What Is Club Country?
Club Country is an outdoor lifestyle and golf brand founded by Devlin Hodges.
The company brings together interests that might traditionally be associated with different recreational communities.
Its identity focuses on people who enjoy both golf courses and outdoor activities such as hunting.
The brand reflects Hodges’ personal lifestyle.
He has frequently shared his enthusiasm for spending time outdoors.
Golf has also become an important part of his social life.
His business interests allow him to remain connected to activities he enjoys outside football.
Club Country represents another stage in his career after professional sports.
It also demonstrates his willingness to explore entrepreneurship rather than remaining exclusively associated with his former NFL career.
Wilson has spoken positively about Hodges’ ambition and work ethic.
Those qualities have remained relevant as he has developed business opportunities.
When Did Lainey Wilson and Duck Hodges Go Public?
Lainey Wilson and Devlin Hodges publicly confirmed their relationship at the Academy of Country Music Awards in May 2023.
The couple walked the red carpet together, attracting considerable attention.
Wilson wore a green outfit featuring her signature bell-bottom trousers.
Hodges complemented her country-inspired style with a blue suit, cowboy hat and bolo tie.
Their appearance confirmed speculation that had been circulating among fans.
Before the event, Wilson had been spotted wearing a Pittsburgh Steelers jersey associated with Hodges during a performance.
Fans noticed the connection and began discussing it on social media.
Hodges responded playfully to the speculation, and Wilson joined the exchange.
The interaction attracted attention because it suggested a romantic connection.
Their appearance at the ACM Awards finally confirmed that they were together.
Why Did Lainey Wilson Keep Her Relationship Private?
Lainey Wilson has explained that she deliberately kept her relationship with Devlin Hodges private during its early stages.
The singer wanted to make sure their connection was genuine.
At the time, her career was growing rapidly.
She was gaining recognition through successful songs, touring and award nominations.
Wilson did not want public attention to influence the relationship before they had established a strong foundation.
She also wanted to understand whether Hodges was committed for the right reasons.
Their decision to remain private allowed them to develop their relationship without constant outside commentary.
By May 2023, Wilson felt comfortable acknowledging their romance publicly.
She later expressed happiness about finally being able to discuss Hodges openly.
Their relationship had already lasted approximately two years by that point.
The decision helped them establish a sense of stability before becoming a recognizable celebrity couple.
Lainey Wilson and Duck Hodges’ Engagement
Devlin Hodges proposed to Lainey Wilson in February 2025.
The couple announced their engagement through a joint Instagram post.
They shared photographs from the proposal and referenced Wilson’s song 4x4xU in the caption.
The announcement attracted congratulations from fans and fellow country music artists.
Their engagement came after approximately four years of dating.
Wilson later joked that she had been waiting for Hodges to propose.
She admitted that she had even considered whether she might eventually have to ask him herself.
The playful comments reflected the comfortable relationship they had developed.
Although they were excited about getting married, Wilson initially indicated that they were not rushing through wedding preparations.
She wanted the celebration to feel right rather than following a particular timeline.
The couple eventually married in May 2026.
Lainey Wilson’s Thoughts About Marriage
Lainey Wilson has spoken openly about how her attitude toward marriage changed after meeting Devlin Hodges.
Growing up, she was more focused on becoming a successful country singer than imagining her wedding day.
She dreamed about performing at famous venues and reaching important career milestones.
The Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman Auditorium and Red Rocks were among the places connected to her musical ambitions.
Planning a wedding was not something she had spent much time thinking about.
However, her relationship with Hodges introduced a different kind of personal goal.
Wilson explained that falling in love helped her imagine a future she had not previously planned.
She began appreciating the possibility of building a marriage alongside her music career.
Her comments suggested that the relationship had expanded her understanding of happiness and success.
Their wedding eventually became another important milestone in a life already filled with professional achievements.
Devlin Hodges Supports Lainey Wilson’s Music Career
Devlin Hodges has regularly supported Lainey Wilson at important events throughout her music career.
He has accompanied her to award ceremonies and other public appearances.
His presence became particularly noticeable after the couple confirmed their relationship in 2023.
Wilson has described Hodges as someone who understands the sacrifices involved in pursuing a demanding career.
His experience in professional football gives him a personal understanding of competition, travel and public pressure.
That shared perspective has helped strengthen their relationship.
Wilson has also spoken about how Hodges encourages her to become a better person.
She considers them a strong team.
His support has been visible during some of the biggest moments of her career.
Rather than competing for public attention, Hodges has generally appeared comfortable celebrating her achievements.
Their Memorable Appearance at the CMA Awards
Lainey Wilson and Devlin Hodges attended the Country Music Association Awards together in November 2023.
The evening became particularly memorable for Wilson.
She won the prestigious Entertainer of the Year award.
Before walking onstage to accept the honor, she shared an affectionate moment with Hodges.
During her acceptance speech, she acknowledged his support.
The award represented a major achievement in her career.
Wilson had spent years working toward recognition within the country music industry.
Winning Entertainer of the Year confirmed her growing influence as a performer.
Hodges’ presence made the evening personally meaningful.
The couple also appeared together at other country music events in the following years.
Their public appearances helped establish them as a familiar pair among country music fans.
Duck Hodges’ Friendship With Country Music Stars
Devlin Hodges has developed friendships with several people in Lainey Wilson’s professional circle.
The singer has jokingly complained that her husband has become close with many of her friends.
Among those she has mentioned are country artists HARDY, Morgan Wallen and Luke Combs.
Hodges shares interests such as golf and outdoor recreation with several musicians.
These activities have helped him develop friendships within the country music community.
Wilson has humorously described situations in which Hodges spends time with her artist friends without her.
The stories reveal a relaxed side of their relationship.
They also suggest that Hodges has become comfortable within Wilson’s professional environment.
Although he is not a country music performer, he has developed connections with people working in the industry.
His friendships have become another part of the couple’s shared social life.
How Lainey Wilson’s Husband Influenced Her Love Songs
Lainey Wilson has acknowledged that her relationship with Devlin Hodges changed how she approached writing romantic songs.
Before meeting him, she found it difficult to express certain feelings through music.
She later explained that experiencing a committed relationship gave her a different understanding of love.
That personal change influenced her songwriting.
Wilson’s music has frequently explored relationships, heartbreak, resilience and personal growth.
Her connection with Hodges provided inspiration for a more hopeful perspective.
The singer has expressed gratitude for the emotional support he provides.
Although not every romantic song she records is necessarily about Hodges, their relationship has clearly influenced her outlook.
Her song 4x4xU became especially connected to their romance.
The couple even referenced it when announcing their engagement.
For Wilson, personal happiness and creative inspiration have become closely connected.
Who Is Lainey Wilson?
Lainey Wilson is an American country music singer and songwriter.
She was born on May 19, 1992, in Baskin, Louisiana.
Wilson grew up in a small rural community where country music was an important part of everyday life.
Her father, Brian Wilson, worked as a farmer, while her mother, Michelle Wilson, was a schoolteacher.
She developed an interest in performing at a young age.
Wilson later moved to Nashville to pursue a professional music career.
Her early years in the city involved considerable financial and professional challenges.
She continued writing songs and performing while trying to establish herself.
Her breakthrough eventually came through successful releases and growing radio support.
Today, she is recognized as one of the leading performers in contemporary country music.
Lainey Wilson’s Music Career and Major Achievements
Lainey Wilson’s career developed through years of songwriting, independent releases and live performances.
She gained widespread recognition with the song Things a Man Oughta Know.
The single helped establish her reputation among country music listeners.
She later achieved further success with Heart Like a Truck and Watermelon Moonshine.
Her album Bell Bottom Country became a defining project in her career.
It also reflected her distinctive musical identity and personal style.
Wilson’s success expanded through major awards and collaborations.
She won the Grammy Award for Best Country Album for Bell Bottom Country.
Her achievements at the CMA and ACM Awards further strengthened her reputation.
She also released Whirlwind, continuing her growth as a recording artist.
Throughout these milestones, Hodges has remained an important source of personal support.
Does Lainey Wilson Have Children With Duck Hodges?
Lainey Wilson and Devlin Hodges have not publicly confirmed that they have children together.
The couple married in May 2026 after several years of dating.
Although their relationship has attracted considerable attention, they have not publicly announced a pregnancy or the arrival of a child.
Wilson has discussed how meeting Hodges changed her thoughts about marriage.
However, she has not shared a confirmed timeline for starting a family.
Both continue pursuing professional interests.
Wilson remains active in country music, while Hodges has developed business ventures following his football career.
Their future family plans remain private.
It would therefore be inaccurate to claim that they are expecting a baby without a verified announcement.
For now, the couple’s marriage is the most significant publicly confirmed development in their personal life.
Lainey Wilson Husband and Marriage Update
Lainey Wilson’s husband is former NFL quarterback Devlin “Duck” Hodges. The couple began dating in 2021, announced their engagement in February 2025 and married on May 10, 2026, at Ruskin Cave in Dickson, Tennessee.
Hodges previously played professional football for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Ottawa Redblacks before retiring in 2022.
He later explored real estate and founded Club Country, an outdoor lifestyle and golf brand.
Their relationship became public at the 2023 ACM Awards after approximately two years of private dating.
Since then, Hodges has supported Wilson through major achievements, including her CMA Entertainer of the Year win.
Wilson has frequently praised her husband’s determination, kindness and understanding of her demanding career.
Their Tennessee wedding marked the beginning of married life after years of building a relationship away from constant public attention.
For fans searching for Lainey Wilson’s husband, Devlin Hodges is her spouse, and their relationship remains an important part of the country singer’s personal story.
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