Lainey Wilson, the Grammy-winning country music artist, has been in a relationship with Devlin “Duck” Hodges since 2021. Their romance remained private for a while, but in May 2023, they made their first public appearance as a couple at the ACM Awards. Hodges, a former NFL quarterback, played for teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Rams before retiring in 2022. Now, he works in real estate.
The couple has chosen to keep their relationship mostly out of the spotlight. However, they have attended multiple award shows together, including the ACM Awards, CMA Awards, and the Academy of Country Music Honors. Wilson even joked about proposing to Hodges during an interview on the Bobby Bones Show, saying, “I might have to propose to his a– ’cause he ain’t proposed to me.”
Their relationship has had a noticeable impact on Wilson’s music. During an interview with Audacy’s Katie & Company, Wilson explained that being in love inspired her to write love songs, which is something she hadn’t done before. “I am in love, which is weird for me that I’m actually able to write those kinds of songs,” she admitted. Wilson hinted that her new material would reflect a “different side” of her.
Wilson has opened up about why she kept her relationship private for so long. On the Taste of Country Nights, On Demand radio show, she revealed, “It’s really cool to be able to start sharing that side of my life. Cause for a long time, I kept him on the [down low]. I wanted to see if he was actually gonna be around to stay.” In an interview with Billboard, Wilson further explained her approach to writing love songs and discussed her 2024 album, Whirlwind, saying, “I don’t think I’ll ever be that love songwriter that’s super mushy gushy at all.”
The relationship between Wilson and Hodges is grounded in mutual respect and affection. Wilson has praised Hodges for his authentic nature, saying, “I said, ‘We gonna see if you’re in for the right reasons.’ Turns out, he is.” She has also pointed out that Hodges gets along well with her friends and colleagues. He enjoys activities like golfing and drinking beer with her fellow artists, which strengthens their bond.
In a playful interview with Bunnie Xo for CMT, Wilson joked about the possibility of proposing to Hodges in 2025. “No pressure, brother! No pressure. I might have to propose to him. We waiting!” Her lighthearted comments have sparked rumors that an engagement may be coming soon, adding to the curiosity surrounding their future.
Wilson and Hodges have occasionally shared intimate moments from their personal life. In October 2024, Wilson gave fans a rare look into their home life, sharing that there’s “ain’t nowhere” she’d rather be than with him. This candid peek into their relationship continues to endear them to their fans.
The timeline of their relationship is as follows: Wilson and Hodges began dating in 2021 and made their red-carpet debut at the 2023 ACM Awards. Since then, they have been spotted together at various events, and their relationship has become a subject of interest in interviews and public appearances.
Fans of Wilson have long been intrigued by her relationship status, and the couple’s occasional public outings have only fueled the curiosity. While Wilson has been open about her feelings for Hodges, she continues to maintain a level of privacy that adds to the mystique surrounding their relationship.
Lainey Wilson is currently in a relationship with Devlin “Duck” Hodges, the former NFL quarterback turned real estate agent. Their relationship has influenced Wilson’s music and personal life, and the couple has made public appearances together at various events. Despite being open about their affection, they still keep parts of their relationship private, fueling ongoing speculation.
