Country star Lainey Wilson is focused on love as much as she is on music — and her partner is someone who genuinely “gets” her.
She’s engaged to Devlin “Duck” Hodges, a former NFL quarterback-turned-real estate agent, and their relationship is more than a celebrity pairing. It’s built on support, understanding, and a shared vision for the future.
Who Is ‘Duck’?
Hodges earned his nickname “Duck” during his college football days at Samford University — a coach said he reminded him of a favorite former player.
As if it wasn’t distinctive enough, Hodges also enjoys duck hunting and is a world-champion duck caller.
Hodges revealed in a recent interview that he thought the nickname was going to be a bad thing, but it ended up being a good thing.
Wilson told a humorous story about when they first met, and how she lied that she had a nickname as well.
“On our first date, I told him that people call me Goose,” she said. “I was lying, but he fell for it. I think he was like, ‘Oh, I’m in love.’”
In addition, Hodges played in the NFL for teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers before retiring in 2022.
After football, he didn’t just walk away — he switched gears. Hodges now works in real estate, and has been praised for being grounded and reliable, qualities Wilson clearly loves.
How They Met & Made It Official
Wilson and Hodges kept their relationship mostly private until May 2023, when they made their red-carpet debut at the Academy of Country Music Awards.
After they made their debut, Wilson revealed in June 2023 that the two have actually been together a while.
“He’s been around for a while. I just decided to make him wait for two and a half years,” she revealed.
The “Heart Like a Truck” singer noted how supportive Hodge is of her career.
“But I’ll tell you, he is good as gold,” she added. “Supports me, would never come in between anything that I’m trying to do. He’s like, ‘Go get it, girl.'”
In February 2025, the two announced their engagement via Instagram, posting photos from the proposal and captioning it, “4x4xU forever ❤️”, a perfect nod to her hit song.
In a sweet moment, Hodges revealed the moment he knew that Wilson was the one.
“I remember pulling into her driveway, and it was at night, and it was in February, so it was cold and there was like deer in the front yard,” he said. “I was like, ‘Hell yeah,’ but when she opened the door, I remember being like, ‘I think this is it.’”
