Lainey Wilson Spills Details of Intimate Proposal, Eyes ‘Very Simple’ Wedding
April 7, 2025 — Country music sweetheart Lainey Wilson has long captivated fans with her rich vocals, powerhouse lyrics, and down-to-earth charm. From her breakout success with hits like “Things a Man Oughta Know” and “Heart Like a Truck”, to becoming a staple on award show stages and even joining the cast of Yellowstone, Wilson’s ascent has been as authentic as it is inspiring.
Now, the reigning CMA Female Vocalist of the Year is opening a new chapter — this time, not on stage, but in her personal life.
In an exclusive interview and recent appearances, Lainey Wilson opened up about the moment her longtime boyfriend popped the question — and why her dream wedding won’t be filled with celebrity pomp, but rather simplicity, sincerity, and Southern soul.
“It Was So Us”: Inside Lainey’s Heartfelt Engagement
Lainey Wilson has always valued authenticity — and her engagement story is no exception.
The 32-year-old singer-songwriter confirmed that her boyfriend of over two years, former NFL player turned businessman Devlin “Duck” Hodges, proposed in what she described as “the most Lainey way possible.”
“There was no big production, no flash mobs, no viral TikTok choreography,” Lainey told People magazine with a warm smile. “It was quiet, personal, and full of meaning. Just us, a few candles, and a bottle of wine.”
According to Wilson, the proposal happened at their shared home just outside of Nashville — a cozy, countryside property where they spend most of their downtime away from the road.
“We were sitting on the porch. The sun was going down, and I was already barefoot and in sweatpants,” she recalled, laughing. “Next thing I know, he’s kneeling down, holding a ring, and his voice is shaking a little.”
What did he say?
“He said, ‘You’re my best friend, and I want to do this life with you.’ That was all I needed to hear,” she said, her eyes misting up. “I cried like a baby.”
Who Is Devlin “Duck” Hodges?
While some fans were surprised to see Lainey with a fiancé, those who’ve followed her journey closely know about her relationship with Devlin Hodges, affectionately known as “Duck.” The two made their red-carpet debut at the 2023 ACM Awards, where they turned heads and sparked rumors.
A former quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Hodges traded in footballs for fishing poles and farm life after retiring from the NFL in 2021. Since then, he’s kept a relatively low profile, focusing on family, business ventures, and supporting Lainey from the sidelines.
“He’s got the kindest heart,” Lainey said in previous interviews. “He makes me feel safe, seen, and supported. And he can wrangle a cow or fix a fence — that’s my kind of man.”
The couple met through mutual friends in the Nashville music circle and quickly bonded over their shared Southern roots and love for the outdoors.
“He’s from Alabama, I’m from Louisiana — it was bound to happen,” she joked.
A “Very Simple” Wedding on the Horizon
With the engagement now public, the next big question is: What will the wedding look like?
Don’t expect a grand ballroom, designer gowns, or fireworks over the water. According to Lainey, she’s planning something “very simple, very country, and very us.”
“I don’t want a fuss,” she told Entertainment Tonight. “I want it to feel like a backyard family reunion — with some good BBQ, live music, and a lot of dancing under the stars.”
Wilson envisions the ceremony taking place somewhere in Louisiana, where she was born and raised. “My hometown is part of who I am. I want the people who helped raise me to be there — and I want to say ‘I do’ in a place that feels like home.”
As for the guest list, she’s keeping it small. “Close friends, close family. That’s it. I’ve done enough big crowds for a lifetime,” she said with a laugh.
The Dress? “Boots, Not Heels”
One of the most anticipated details for any wedding is the bride’s dress, and Lainey has strong feelings about hers.
“It’s gotta be comfortable, first of all. I’m not walking around in a tight, glittery mermaid dress for eight hours,” she said, grinning. “I’m thinking something flowy, maybe with lace, and probably a flower crown if I’m feelin’ real boho.”
And the shoes?
“Boots, not heels — you know that already,” she said. “I’ll probably wear my favorite pair of white cowgirl boots. They’ve been with me on tour, on set, and on red carpets. Why not walk down the aisle in them too?”
The singer also hinted that she might write her own vows and is even considering performing a song during the reception. “I mean, I gotta sing something — it’s me!”
No Wedding Planners, Just “Mama and Me”
When asked if she’s hired a celebrity wedding planner, Lainey shook her head. “That’s not me. Me and Mama are going to figure it out together.”
Her mother, Michelle Wilson, has always been a strong presence in her life, and Lainey says involving her in the planning process is non-negotiable.
“She’s already got a Pinterest board going,” Lainey joked. “We’ve been talking flowers, tablecloths, and gumbo recipes for weeks.”
Fans can also expect a few very Louisiana touches.
“There’s gonna be some jambalaya, crawfish, maybe even a little zydeco band for cocktail hour,” she said. “And homemade pies instead of a fancy wedding cake. I want it to be real.”
Balancing Wedding Planning and Stardom
Of course, wedding planning isn’t the only thing on Lainey Wilson’s plate. With a career that’s currently on fire — including sold-out tour dates, a new album dropping this summer, and a recurring role on Yellowstone — finding time for personal life can be a challenge.
“I’m not going to pretend it’s easy,” she admitted. “But I’ve always said that I want to build a life, not just a career. And that includes building a family.”
Wilson credits her team and her fiancé for keeping her grounded and helping her manage both worlds. “Devlin’s been my rock. When I come home from a tour, he’s there with supper on the table and the dogs fed. That kind of love keeps me going.”
A Different Kind of Love Song
While Lainey’s music often explores heartbreak, healing, and hope, she hinted that her next album might include a more personal — and romantic — perspective.
“I’ve always written from experience,” she said. “And now, for the first time, I’m in a relationship that’s full of peace and purpose. That’s gonna show up in the songs.”
She teased that a track titled “Porchlight Promises” might make the final cut — a love letter inspired by the night she got engaged.
“It’s about that quiet kind of love, the kind that shows up in sweatpants and still knocks you off your feet,” she said. “That’s the love I want to share with the world.”
The Country Community Cheers Her On
News of Lainey’s engagement spread quickly through the country music world, and congratulations poured in from peers and legends alike.
Miranda Lambert posted a heartfelt message: “So happy for you, Lainey! Love looks good on you!”
Luke Combs commented: “Duck did good. Y’all are perfect.”
Even Reba McEntire sent her blessings, saying, “Now that’s what I call a country love story.”
Fans also flooded Lainey’s Instagram with love and well-wishes. Many praised her decision to keep things simple and grounded.
“You’re living proof that you can be a superstar and still keep it real,” one user wrote.
A Love Rooted in the Real
What makes Lainey Wilson’s engagement story so special isn’t the sparkle of the ring or the potential celebrity guest list — it’s the deep, genuine affection between two people who clearly value the same things: family, faith, simplicity, and laughter.
In an industry often obsessed with image and spectacle, Lainey’s love story feels like a return to basics — a reminder that real love doesn’t need a spotlight.
“I’ve never been happier,” she said. “And it’s not because I’ve got a ring on my finger. It’s because I’ve got someone who sees me, who chooses me, and who makes the simple moments feel like magic.”
As she plans her walk down the aisle, Lainey Wilson is walking straight into a new season of life — one filled with love, music, and a whole lot of boots.
