Is Lainey Wilson married? The country star is not yet married, but she’s officially engaged. Devlin “Duck” Hodges, a former NFL quarterback, proposed on February 12, 2025, at the iconic George Jones’ former estate in Franklin, Tennessee. Wilson announced the wedding date during her CMA Awards acceptance speech on November 19, revealing they’ll tie the knot in 2026.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Lainey Wilson and Duck Hodges announced their engagement on February 12, 2025
- The couple captioned their engagement announcement “4x4xU forever,” referencing Wilson’s hit song
- Wilson, age 33, is marrying Hodges, age 29, a retired NFL quarterback who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers
- The wedding is set for 2026 after Wilson announced the date at the 59th Annual CMA Awards
Engagement Announcement: From Proposal to Instagram
America’s Next Top Model documentary drops today on Netflix with shocking revelations
Dana Eden dies at 52, Tehran producer found dead in Athens hotel
The engagement came as a beautiful surprise for country music fans. On February 12, Lainey Wilson shared the exciting news exclusively on Instagram with intimate photos showcasing her diamond engagement ring. The couple posted the announcement together, captioning it “4x4xU forever” in reference to Wilson’s popular track from her 2024 album “Whirlwind.”
The engagement followed nearly four years of dating. Wilson and Hodges had kept their relationship relatively private before going public at the 2023 ACM Awards in May. The couple met through mutual friends in Nashville in 2021 and bonded immediately over their shared love of country music and values.
How Duck Hodges Proposed: A Romantic Tennessee Setting
Tommy Lee Jones’ daughter was pregnant before her tragic death, court docs reveal
J Cole announces The Fall-Off world tour, first global dates in decades
Duck Hodges planned a romantic proposal right out of a country song. He chose the front steps of George Jones’ former home in Franklin, Tennessee, a location deeply meaningful to country music history. According to reports, Hodges had the entire scene prepared with candles and carefully planned every detail to make the moment unforgettable for his now-fiancée.
During an interview, Wilson revealed that Hodges had everything organized perfectly, creating an intimate and romantic atmosphere for the proposal. What makes the proposal story even more charming is that Wilson had previously lied to Hodges about having a cute nickname during their first date at Nashville’s Silverado’s dance hall, claiming people called her “Goose” to match his famous “Duck” nickname. This inside joke added extra sweetness to their engagement.
| Engagement Detail | Information |
| Proposal Date | February 12, 2025 |
| Proposal Location | George Jones’ Former Estate, Franklin, Tennessee |
| Engagement Caption | “4x4xU Forever” (referencing Wilson’s song) |
| How They Met | Through mutual friends in Nashville in 2021 |
| Wedding Timeline | 2026 |
Planning the Big Day: What Wilson Says About Her Wedding
Lainey Wilson has given hints about what to expect from her upcoming wedding. She’s described envisioning a “simple” and intimate celebration despite industry pressure for a massive event. However, sources close to the couple report that Wilson “wants the best of the best” for her big day, creating an impressive guest list and significant budget.
The wedding is expected to be country-style, likely featuring Nashville connections and music industry icons. Wilson has not shared extensive details, wanting to keep much of the celebration private. Sources indicate the wedding may take place in late summer or early fall of 2026, though exact dates remain undisclosed.
Watch: Lainey Wilson’s Engagement Story
Who is Devlin “Duck” Hodges? The Former NFL Quarterback
Devlin “Duck” Hodges, age 29, is a retired NFL quarterback who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and other professional teams. He earned his “Duck” nickname during his college football days at Samford University in Alabama. Beyond his football career, Hodges has transitioned into the real estate industry and business ventures in Nashville and Arkansas.
Hodges has embraced his place in the country music world since dating Wilson. He’s been spotted at major events alongside the Grammy-nominated singer and actively participates in her professional life. The couple enjoys attending Nashville events together, making red carpet appearances and sharing their love story with fans.
On November 19, 2025, Hodges attended the CMA Awards where Wilson hosted and won Entertainer of the Year, the show’s most prestigious award. During her acceptance speech, Wilson made her wedding announcement, confirming their plans for 2026.
When Will Lainey Wilson Actually Get Married, and What Comes Next?
The wedding is officially scheduled for 2026, though Wilson and Hodges haven’t released specific dates. The couple is taking their time with planning despite the excitement surrounding their upcoming nuptials. Industry insiders suggest a late summer or early fall 2026 date, giving the couple adequate time to plan their dream celebration.
Wilson has mentioned wanting to keep the ceremony relatively intimate compared to typical celebrity events. However, given her prominence in country music and their combined networks, the wedding is expected to draw attention from fans and industry peers. The couple continues to focus on their careers—Wilson is touring and recording music, while Hodges manages his business interests—before stepping into married life.
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.