The Man Behind the Music: Meet Devlin “Duck” Hodges, the Fiancé Who Taught Lainey Wilson to Write Love Songs
In the glittering world of country music, where love songs are currency and heartbreak fuels anthems, Lainey Wilson has discovered something refreshingly authentic: a partnership that inspires melodies rather than tears. Her fiancé, former NFL player-turned-real estate agent Devlin “Duck” Hodges, has become not just her romantic partner but her creative muse, transforming the way she approaches both life and songwriting.
Their love story began in the most Nashville way possible—through mutual friends at Silverados, a local haunt offering the kind of budget-friendly happy hour that separates the genuine from the glamorous. “We went to this old place called Silverados, and it had free beer and wine from 5 to 10 p.m.,” Wilson recalled with characteristic charm. “I was like, ‘This boy likes to ball on a budget too. This is gonna work out.'” It’s the kind of meet-cute that proves authenticity trumps extravagance every time.
The couple began dating in 2021, keeping their romance deliberately private until May 2023, when Hodges accompanied Wilson to the ACM Awards—their official coming-out moment. By August of that year, Wilson revealed to insiders that Hodges had fundamentally changed her creative landscape. “I was never really able to write love songs, because I don’t know if I had actually felt it, but I’m writing me some love songs now,” she confessed. “I’m grateful for him.”
In February 2025, Hodges orchestrated the proposal that would make their commitment official, with Wilson announcing their engagement via Instagram with a heartfelt caption referencing her hit single: “4x4xU forever ❤️.” The images captured pure joy—two people who understand that lasting love is built on friendship, mutual respect, and shared values.
At the 2024 CMAs, where Wilson made history as co-host alongside Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning, the couple arrived in coordinated style: matching black blazers and cowboy hats that telegraphed their united front. Yet for this year’s ceremony, which Wilson is hosting solo, she playfully noted her date “might be in the woods hunting”—a testament to Hodges’s down-to-earth nature in a world often consumed by spectacle.
In a recent cover story, Wilson offered insight into their dynamic. “He is my best friend. He is my biggest cheerleader. We lift each other up. He understands that this life is full of a lot of late nights and travel, and we might be just like ships passing in the night, but he’s always my rock through it all.”
While wedding planning remains on hold amid Wilson’s demanding schedule, one thing is clear: she’s found a partner who values substance over sparkle, authenticity over appearance—qualities that make both great relationships and timeless country music.
