On February 13, country music star Lainey Wilson and former NFL player Devlin “Duck” Hodges shared the exciting news that they are officially engaged.
The couple, who have been dating since 2021, made the announcement on social media, with Wilson posting a series of heartfelt photos and videos showcasing the special moment.
A Magical Engagement in Tennessee
Wilson, 32, shared the big news on Instagram by showing off the stunning engagement ring Hodges, 28, had given her during the proposal.
The couple got engaged outside the stunning $5.95 million estate in Tennessee that once belonged to the late country legend George Jones.
Wilson posted photos of the two posing together on the porch, as well as a clip of herself admiring the dazzling sparkler on her finger.
In the caption, she referenced her song “4x4xU” with the sweet line “4x4xU forever,” adding a red heart emoji to express her joy.
Another touching photo showed Wilson gazing into Hodges’ eyes as he smiled after getting down on one knee to pop the question.
Lainey’s Frustration Before the Proposal
Interestingly, just a month before the engagement, Wilson had publicly admitted she was growing tired of waiting for Hodges to propose.
She joked that she might end up asking him herself if he didn’t step up.
But, with the engagement now officially announced, it’s clear that Hodges had been planning the perfect moment for quite a while.
A Romance That Began in 2021
While Wilson and Hodges made their first public appearance as a couple at the Academy of Country Music Awards in May 2023, their relationship actually began much earlier.
The couple met in 2021 through mutual friends in Nashville, and their bond quickly grew stronger.
Wilson fondly remembers their first date, which took place at a dance hall and saloon called Silverados.
Known for its cheap drinks and live music, it was the perfect setting for the couple to get to know each other better. “I was like, ‘This boy likes to ball on a budget too.
This is gonna work out,'” Wilson recalled with a smile.
Who is Lainey Wilson?
Lainey Wilson, born on May 19, 1992, hails from the small town of Baskin, Louisiana.
With a population of under 300 people, Wilson grew up surrounded by family.
Her father was a farmer, and her mother worked as a schoolteacher.
From a young age, Wilson showed a passion for music, especially after attending a performance at the Grand Ole Opry when she was just nine years old. Inspired, she began learning guitar and songwriting.
Wilson’s early years in music included performing as Hannah Montana at birthday parties and county fairs, a job she fondly remembers.
She moved to Nashville at 19, where she lived in a camper trailer and began her music career.
Her big break came in 2019 when her song “Working Overtime” was featured on the hit TV series Yellowstone.
This opened doors for Wilson, and she soon became a household name in country music.
In 2023, Wilson won multiple prestigious awards, including Female Artist of the Year and Album of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards.
She also took home a Grammy Award for Best Country Album.
Despite keeping her political views private, Wilson has been vocal about her pride in being an American, expressing how much freedom means to her.
Who is Devlin “Duck” Hodges?
Devlin “Duck” Hodges, born in Alabama, made his name in football, first playing at Samford University before joining the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Hodges earned the nickname “Duck” due to his impressive duck-calling skills.
He even won the Junior World Duck Calling Contest in 2009 at just 13 years old.
After his NFL career, which included stints with the Steelers, Los Angeles Rams, and Ottawa Redblacks in the CFL, Hodges retired from professional football in 2022.
He shifted careers and now works as a real estate agent with Myers Cobb Realtors in Memphis.
He’s also a proud ambassador for Chene Gear, an outdoor hunting gear brand.
A Relationship Built on Support
Wilson has always spoken highly of Hodges, describing him as one of her biggest cheerleaders.
In an interview, she shared that her relationship with Hodges has been incredibly healthy and supportive.
She even mentioned how being in love has inspired her to write love songs, something she hadn’t done before meeting him.
Their connection deepened, and their relationship became public when they walked the red carpet together at the 2023 Academy of Country Music Awards.
Fans were already speculating about their romance, especially after Wilson performed on stage in Pittsburgh wearing Hodges’ Steelers jersey.
The Happy Couple’s Next Chapter
As Wilson and Hodges embark on this exciting new chapter of their lives, fans can’t help but root for them as a couple.
Their story has captured the hearts of many, and with an engagement now in place, the future looks bright for the happy duo.
As they continue to navigate their careers and love story, it’s clear that the country music star and the former NFL quarterback are in it for the long haul.
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