The Man Who Finally Put A Ring On It: 7 Surprising Facts About Lainey Wilson's Fiancé, Devlin 'Duck' Hodges

The question that has been on every country music fan's mind has finally been answered: Lainey Wilson is engaged! The reigning Entertainer of the Year revealed in a heartwarming announcement that she is set to marry her longtime boyfriend, former NFL quarterback Devlin "Duck" Hodges. As of December 15, 2025, the couple is enjoying their engagement, with Wilson flashing a massive, one-of-a-kind diamond ring that perfectly matches her bold, unique style.

The news, which broke in February 2025, confirmed the long-rumored romance that the "Heart Like a Truck" singer had successfully kept private for years. Their relationship is a true Nashville fairytale, blending the worlds of country music stardom and professional sports, proving that even a global superstar can find a "good dude" who is "good as gold."

Lainey Wilson and Devlin 'Duck' Hodges: A Full Biography and Profile

The future Mr. and Mrs. Duck have two very distinct, yet equally driven, career paths. Here is a look at the full biography and profile of the country music queen and her fiancé.

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Lainey Wilson's Profile

• Full Name: Lainey Wilson
• Age: 33 (as of July 2025)
• Hometown: Baskin, Louisiana
• Occupation: Country Music Singer-Songwriter, Actress (known for her role as Abby on *Yellowstone*)
• Signature Style: Bell-bottoms, colorful outfits, and a cowboy hat.
• Career Highlights:
  • Won Entertainer of the Year at the 2023 and 2025 CMA Awards.
  • Won Female Video of the Year at the 2024 CMA Awards.
  • Won a Grammy Award for Best Country Album (*Bell Bottom Country*) in 2024.
  • Nominated for Best Country Album (*Whirlwind*) at the 2025 Grammys.
  • Hit Songs: "Heart Like a Truck," "Things a Man Oughta Know," "Watermelon Moonshine," and "4x4xU."

Devlin 'Duck' Hodges' Profile

• Full Name: Devlin Hodges
• Nickname: "Duck" (A name given by his college coach because he reminded him of a former quarterback).
• Age: 28 (at the time of the February 2025 engagement).
• Hometown: Kimberly, Alabama
• Former Occupation: Professional Football Player (Quarterback)
• Current Occupation: Real Estate Agent (Specializing in land and recreational properties at Myers Cobb Realtors in Memphis, Tennessee).
• Career Highlights:
  • Played college football at Samford University in Alabama.
  • Signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2019.
  • Played for the Los Angeles Rams in 2021.
  • Played for the CFL's Ottawa Redblacks before announcing his retirement in April 2022.

The Private Love Story: From Low-Key Dating to a Red Carpet Debut

Lainey Wilson and Devlin Hodges' relationship is a testament to the power of keeping things quiet until the time is right. The couple first met and began dating back in 2021 in Nashville through mutual friends.

Wilson was fiercely protective of their budding romance, intentionally keeping it out of the public eye for two years. She wanted to ensure that Hodges was "in it for the right reasons" before making a big announcement.

Their first date was famously low-key and budget-friendly. Wilson recalled going to a dance hall and saloon called Silverados that offered free beer and wine from 5 to 10 p.m. This impressed the country star, who thought, "This boy likes to ball on a budget too. This is gonna work out."

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The secret was finally out in May 2023 when Hodges accompanied Wilson to the 58th ACM Awards, marking their official red carpet debut. Prior to that, eagle-eyed fans had already connected the dots after Wilson wore Hodges' Pittsburgh Steelers jersey on stage during a concert, which sparked a flirty exchange on social media.

Since then, Hodges has been a constant source of support, attending major events like the CMA Awards, where Wilson publicly thanked him during her emotional Entertainer of the Year acceptance speech in 2023, saying, "I love you, Duck."

The Proposal Details: A Cowboy Hat Ring Box and a '4x4xU' Forever

The engagement announcement in February 2025 was a massive surprise for fans, though Wilson had been joking about proposing herself just weeks before on Bunnie Xo's podcast. Hodges clearly took the hint and planned a romantic, personal proposal.

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The former quarterback popped the question on the steps of a grand, historic home, which was beautifully decorated for the occasion. The setting included red roses, candles, and framed photographs of the couple, creating a truly intimate atmosphere.

In a perfect nod to Wilson's signature style, Hodges presented the ring in a tiny, custom cowboy hat-shaped ring box. The couple shared the joyful news on Instagram with a joint post captioned "4x4xU forever," a sweet reference to Wilson's love song "4x4xU" from her album *Whirlwind*, which she dedicated to Hodges upon its release.

An Unconventional Sparkle: Details of Lainey Wilson's Engagement Ring

Lainey Wilson had previously joked that she wanted a diamond so big she'd be "walking with a limp," and her fiancé certainly delivered on the "massive" part. However, the ring is a standout not just for its size, but for its incredibly unique and unconventional design.

A Custom Cluster Design

The ring is a bespoke piece designed by Hollie Winter Fine Jewelry in Germantown, Tennessee. It features a bold cluster setting, which is a dramatic, multi-stone design that is very much on-trend but rarely seen in a traditional engagement ring.

The custom piece incorporates a mix of diamond shapes, including an elongated cushion cut, an oval cut, and a pear-shaped diamond as the main anchors, surrounded by a lively arrangement of smaller stones. The entire arrangement is set on a thick, gold band, giving it a sculptural, almost floral, bouquet-like appearance.

This "cocktail-style" ring perfectly reflects Wilson's fearless and glamorous Southern-with-a-twist personality. While the exact cost remains private, industry estimates for the exquisite, custom-made piece range widely, with some experts placing the value between $15,000 and $100,000, and others as high as $250,000, depending on the carats and clarity.

What's Next for Lainey Wilson and 'Duck' Hodges?

Since their engagement, the couple has been open about their excitement, but they are taking their time to plan their future. Wilson confirmed in an August 2025 interview that they are "in no rush to say 'I do.'" However, the country star is especially looking forward to choosing the perfect wedding dress, hoping to see her future husband get emotional when she walks down the aisle.

The support Devlin Hodges offers is a key pillar of their relationship, especially as Wilson continues to navigate her skyrocketing fame, including hosting the 2025 CMA Awards. He is her "biggest cheerleader" and a "good dude" who understands the demands of chasing a dream, having been a professional athlete himself.

For now, fans can expect to see the happy couple continuing to support each other at high-profile events, with Wilson's music continuing to be inspired by her personal life. The love story of Lainey Wilson and Devlin "Duck" Hodges is a true modern country romance, and the world is eagerly awaiting the next chapter of their journey to the altar.