7 Shocking Details About Lainey Wilson's Engagement To Devlin 'Duck' Hodges: The Cluster Ring, New Love Songs, And 2025 Wedding Plans

The biggest news in country music this December 2025 is official: Lainey Wilson is engaged! After years of keeping her relationship relatively private, the reigning CMA and ACM Entertainer of the Year is headed to the altar with her longtime boyfriend, former NFL quarterback Devlin "Duck" Hodges. The surprise announcement, which dropped in February 2025, has sent fans and the music industry into a frenzy, revealing a sweet, personal side to the "Bell Bottom Country" star that has inspired a whole new chapter in her music career. The engagement confirms the country superstar’s shift from a focus solely on her career to embracing a new, deeply felt love, as evidenced by her recent red-carpet appearances and the romantic new material she's been writing. From the unique, trend-setting engagement ring to the surprising details of how the former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback proposed, the couple is quickly becoming one of Nashville's most beloved power duos.

Lainey Wilson: Full Biography and Profile

Lainey Denay Wilson is an American country singer-songwriter and actress known for her distinct sound, often referred to as "Bell Bottom Country," which blends traditional country with a modern, rock-infused edge. Her rise to fame has been meteoric, earning her multiple major awards and a dedicated fanbase.

• Full Name: Lainey Denay Wilson
• Date of Birth: May 19, 1992
• Hometown: Baskin, Louisiana (a small town with a population of fewer than 300)
• Early Career: Moved to Nashville in 2011 and lived in a camper trailer for several years while pursuing her music career.
• Debut Album: Released her self-titled debut album in 2014.
• Breakthrough Success: Gained widespread recognition with her 2021 album, Sayin' What I'm Thinkin', and the hit single "Things a Man Oughta Know."
• Acting Role: Made her acting debut as a musician named Abby in the critically acclaimed television series Yellowstone.
• Major Awards: Has won numerous awards, including multiple CMA and ACM Awards, solidifying her status as a top-tier country artist.
• Fiancé: Devlin "Duck" Hodges, a former NFL quarterback.

The February 2025 Proposal: How Devlin 'Duck' Hodges Popped the Question

Lainey Wilson and Devlin "Duck" Hodges announced their engagement on February 12, 2025, after nearly four years of dating, a timeline that began quietly in 2021. The proposal itself was a deeply personal moment that perfectly captured the couple’s fun-loving dynamic.

The couple had been private about their relationship for some time, making their red-carpet debut together at the ACM Awards in May 2023. Hodges, a former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, quickly became a beloved figure among the country music community, often seen supporting Lainey at major events like the 2025 CMA Awards where she was a host and nominee.

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According to Wilson, the proposal was a surprise, though she had jokingly sent Hodges pictures of "some big rings" in the past, prompting a humorous response from him: "Oh Lord. I better start saving now." Despite the playful pre-engagement teasing, Hodges clearly put a lot of thought and planning into the moment, which Lainey shared photos of on her Instagram, showing her fans the joy and effort he put into the big day.

The engagement news instantly became one of the most talked-about celebrity events of 2025, with the couple making their first official appearance as fiancés at the ACM Awards shortly after the announcement.

A Closer Look at the Engagement Ring and Wedding Plans

Lainey Wilson's engagement ring is far from traditional and has sparked a new trend in bridal jewelry. Instead of a single, large solitaire, Hodges proposed with a spectacular cluster ring.

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The Unique Cluster Diamond Design

The cluster design is a bold, statement piece that perfectly complements Wilson's unique "Bell Bottom Country" style. It features a captivating blend of different diamond shapes—including pear, marquise, oval, and round cuts—arranged in an unconventional, three-dimensional setting. This non-traditional choice reflects Lainey’s personality: sophisticated yet bold, and always marching to the beat of her own drum. The ring’s dazzling appearance has been a major talking point at every red carpet event she has attended since February 2025.

Writing Love Songs for the First Time

One of the most profound impacts of her relationship with Devlin Hodges is the shift in her songwriting. Lainey Wilson has often admitted that she struggled to write convincing love songs because she wasn't sure if she had truly felt that kind of deep, committed love before.

That has all changed since "Duck" came into her life. She is now "writing me some love songs," she confirmed, with one track, "4X4U," even being cited as proof of her deep affection for him. She also released a new song, "Yesterday, All Day, Every Day," which chronicles the exact night and circumstances of how she met her fiancé. This new romantic material, inspired by her real-life love story, promises to be a major part of her upcoming music.

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Shutting Down Early Wedding Rumors

While the couple is now officially wedding planning, they have had to address rampant rumors about a secret, early wedding. Following the engagement announcement, speculation began to swirl that they had already gotten married in private. Lainey and Devlin quickly took to social media to shut down the "wild" wedding rumors, confirming that they are simply enjoying their engagement and taking their time with the planning process.

As of late 2025, the couple is actively in the midst of planning their wedding. Fans are eagerly anticipating what a Lainey Wilson wedding will look like, expecting a celebration filled with country charm, "Bell Bottom Country" flair, and a whole lot of love.

Devlin 'Duck' Hodges: From NFL Quarterback to Country Fiancé

Devlin Patrick Hodges, known by his popular nickname "Duck," is a fascinating figure whose background is vastly different from the world of country music, yet he perfectly complements the Louisiana-born star.

• Nickname Origin: "Duck" comes from his love of duck hunting, a passion that aligns with the outdoor, country lifestyle.
• NFL Career: Hodges was an American professional football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL).
• Pittsburgh Steelers: He gained cult-hero status in Pittsburgh after signing with the Steelers in 2019, where he started six games during the 2019 and 2020 seasons.
• Post-Football: After his time in the NFL and a brief stint in the Canadian Football League (CFL), Hodges transitioned into other ventures, including real estate, though he remains a popular, recognizable sports figure.
• The Relationship Rule: Lainey has shared that one rule keeps their long-distance relationship strong: they never go more than two weeks without seeing each other.

The pairing of the country music powerhouse and the former NFL player is a true Nashville fairytale, blending the worlds of music and sports. As they move forward with their wedding plans into 2026, the couple’s journey—from a quiet dating life to a very public engagement—continues to captivate their growing audience.