Boots and Bridal Bells: Lainey Wilson Announces 2026 Wedding Date for Fiancé ‘Duck’ Hodges After Historic CMA Night
“We’re Getting Married Next Year!”: Lainey Wilson Confirms 2026 Wedding to Devlin ‘Duck’ Hodges Amid CMA Triumph
Nashville is still buzzing following the 2025 Country Music Association (CMA) Awards, and while Lainey Wilson’s historic sweep—taking home Entertainer of the Year for the second time, Female Vocalist of the Year, and Album of the Year for Whirlwind—was the headline, it was her personal life update that truly set social media ablaze.
In a heartwarming, off-the-cuff moment during her acceptance speech for the night’s top prize, Entertainer of the Year, the country superstar confirmed the timeline for her wedding to fiancé, former NFL quarterback Devlin “Duck” Hodges. After thanking her family, her team, and her fans, Wilson gave a special, tender shout-out to the man supporting her from the audience.
“I just came into here just wanting to celebrate country music, the love of my life,” Wilson said, nodding to Hodges. She then delivered the breaking news that had fans cheering: “We’re getting married next year, come on now!”
The announcement, delivered with the Louisiana native’s signature down-to-earth charm, marks the most concrete detail yet on the couple’s highly anticipated trip down the aisle, solidifying 2026 as the year the country queen will officially become a wife. It shifts the narrative from the couple simply being “in no rush” (a sentiment Wilson shared as recently as August 2025) to a firm plan, confirming that even amidst her Whirlwind World Tour and hosting duties, a new, exciting chapter is finally being scheduled.
The CMA Date Night That Became a Milestone
The 2025 CMA Awards were already a monumental night for Wilson. She didn’t just win big; she commanded the stage, hosting the show solo for the first time. Her fiancé, Devlin Hodges, was a constant presence, standing by her side on the red carpet before the show—the picture of a supportive partner. This date night provided the perfect, intimate backdrop for such a public declaration.
Hodges, whom Wilson affectionately refers to as ‘Duck’, has become a staple at major industry events since their red-carpet debut at the 2023 ACM Awards. The former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, now a real estate agent, has been praised by Wilson for providing a necessary sense of stability and grounding amidst her explosive rise to global fame. In her words, he helps her “keep my feet on the ground.”
While the engagement was announced in February 2025 via a joint Instagram post captioned “4x4xU forever” (a nod to her song of the same name), Wilson has previously indicated she wanted to take her time, focusing on her career and enjoying the fiancé phase. The 2026 timeline is a green light for fans, who have been speculating wildly about the details of the highly-anticipated country wedding since the proposal took place in front of the late country icon George Jones’ former estate.
Who is Lainey Wilson’s Future Husband, Devlin ‘Duck’ Hodges?
For those unfamiliar with the man who has captured the heart of country music’s reigning Entertainer of the Year, Devlin Hodges is an intriguing figure whose path to fame is remarkably different from his future wife’s. He is not a musician, but an athlete turned businessman.
From the Gridiron to the ‘Goose’
Devlin “Duck” Hodges, 29, is a former professional football player. He rose to prominence playing quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2019 NFL season, earning his iconic moniker “Duck” from a college coach who compared him to a talented predecessor. After brief stints with the Los Angeles Rams and the CFL’s Ottawa Redblacks, Hodges officially retired from professional football in April 2022.
Following retirement, he transitioned into a career in real estate, first in Louisiana and then joining Myers Cobb Realtors in April 2024. This pivot to a more grounded, private career is something Wilson deeply values, providing her with a partner who understands dedication but remains outside the daily whirlwind of the music business.
Wilson’s playful relationship with the nickname ‘Duck’ is a fan favorite. She once confessed to fibbing on their first date, jokingly claiming her friends called her ‘Goose’ to match his moniker. The pair’s self-deprecating humor and shared values—including a love for “balling on a budget” at a dance hall for their first date—are hallmarks of their authentic country-rooted romance.
The Long-Kept Secret Romance
While their public debut was at the 2023 ACM Awards, Wilson later revealed that they had been dating since 2021, keeping the relationship intentionally private for over two years. This quiet period allowed their bond to deepen away from the intrusive glare of the spotlight. Wilson credits Hodges with being the inspiration for her love songs, opening her heart to a type of romance she previously hadn’t felt or been able to articulate in her songwriting.
One memorable story showcasing Hodges’ grounded nature came during an August 2025 interview where Wilson revealed his common-sense approach prevented her from making an impractical, impulse purchase. While out to dinner, the country star was ready to buy a turquoise jet ski on the spot, but Hodges gently reminded her of her hectic touring schedule and her lack of waterfront property. “He was like ‘You’re not gonna be here to ride it,’” Wilson recalled, perfectly illustrating how her future husband keeps her stable and focused.
The Path to 2026: What’s Next for Lainey and Duck
The confirmed 2026 wedding date has shifted the focus from the engagement ring (which Wilson famously joked had her “walking with a limp” due to its size) to the dress and the venue. Wilson has expressed her excitement over choosing her wedding dress, noting it will be one of the few times Hodges will see her in a gown, hoping it will move him to tears.
For now, Wilson will continue the momentum of her historic career year, promoting the award-winning album Whirlwind and her ongoing tour. Devlin Hodges will continue his work in real estate, serving as her steadfast “best friend” and “biggest cheerleader” from their home base in Nashville.
The 2025 CMA Awards proved that Lainey Wilson is not just celebrating professional milestones; she is actively charting the course for her future personal life. By dedicating her win and announcing her 2026 wedding, she has confirmed that her “Heart Like a Truck” is driving straight toward forever with her ‘Duck.’ The countdown to one of country music’s most anticipated weddings has officially begun.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who is Lainey Wilson’s husband/fiancé?
A: Lainey Wilson is currently engaged to Devlin “Duck” Hodges, a former NFL quarterback who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Rams. Since retiring from football, Hodges has become a real estate agent.
Q: When are Lainey Wilson and Devlin Hodges getting married?
A: Lainey Wilson officially announced their wedding timeline at the 2025 CMA Awards, confirming that the couple plans to get married in 2026. The exact date and location have not been made public yet.
Q: When did Lainey Wilson and ‘Duck’ Hodges get engaged?
A: Lainey Wilson and Devlin “Duck” Hodges announced their engagement in February 2025 through a joint Instagram post.
Q: How long have Lainey Wilson and Devlin Hodges been together?
A: The couple began dating in 2021 but kept their relationship private for over two years. They made their public debut as a couple at the ACM Awards in May 2023.
Q: Why is Devlin Hodges’ nickname ‘Duck’?
A: Hodges earned the nickname “Duck” during his college football days at Samford University. His coach compared him to a talented former quarterback who also went by “Duck,” and the name stuck with the team.
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