If you’ve spent any time scrolling through country music news lately, you’ve probably seen the name Duck pop up next to Lainey Wilson. It sounds like a quirky nickname for a pet or maybe some weird inside joke about hunting, but it’s actually the cornerstone of one of the most grounded romances in Nashville right now.
People are obsessed. They want to know if they're married, how they met, and why on earth a former NFL quarterback goes by a waterfowl's name. Honestly, the story is a lot more "normal" than you’d expect from a multi-award-winning superstar and a pro athlete.
The Mystery of the Name: Why Duck?
First things first. Let’s clear up the confusion about the name. Devlin Hodges isn’t actually named Duck, obviously. He earned that moniker back in his college days at Samford University. His coach told him he was one of the best quarterbacks he’d ever seen and that he reminded him of another player nicknamed—you guessed it—Duck.
It stuck.
During the 2019 NFL season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the "Duck Dynasty" craze (not the show, just the fandom) took over. Fans would literally wear duck masks in the stands. It’s a whole thing. But for Lainey Wilson and Duck, the name is just a part of who he is.
How Lainey Wilson and Duck Actually Met
They didn't meet at a glitzy red carpet event or some high-end gala. Nope. They met through mutual friends in Nashville back in 2021.
Their first date? It’s basically a country song waiting to happen. They went to a place called Silverados—a dance hall known for having free beer and wine for a few hours every night.
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Lainey has joked in interviews, specifically with People, that she knew it was going to work out because "this boy likes to ball on a budget too." There’s something refreshingly real about a future Entertainer of the Year and an NFL player grabbing cheap drinks at a dive bar.
The Secret Years
What most people get wrong is thinking this is a brand-new romance. They actually kept things under wraps for two whole years.
Lainey is smart. She wanted to make sure Duck was in it for the right reasons before the world started weighing in. It wasn't until the 2023 ACM Awards that they finally walked a red carpet together, effectively "hard launching" their relationship to a fanbase that was already starting to put the pieces together.
That Time She Lied (About Being a Goose)
One of the funniest stories to come out of their early dating days involves a little white lie. Lainey told Southern Living that on their first date, she actually told Duck that her friends call her "Goose."
She was totally making it up.
She wanted to see if he’d buy it since his name was Duck. Apparently, he fell for it hook, line, and sinker. It’s those little moments of humor that seem to keep them balanced while Lainey’s career has basically gone into orbit over the last few years.
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The Engagement: 4x4xU Forever
In February 2025, the couple officially announced their engagement. The proposal was cinematic but private. Duck popped the question on the front porch of the late George Jones’ estate in Franklin, Tennessee.
Talk about a power move for a country music fan.
Lainey shared the news on Instagram with the caption "4x4xU forever," a nod to her hit song "4x4xU" which, as it turns out, was heavily inspired by her relationship with him. Before meeting Duck, Lainey wasn't really known for writing love songs. She’s gone on record saying she just hadn't really "felt it" yet.
Now? The love songs are flowing. Her album Whirlwind is packed with tracks that reflect this new chapter of her life.
Balancing Fame and Hunting Gear
Lainey Wilson and Duck seem to have a solid grasp on what makes a relationship work in the spotlight: compromise.
In a 2025 interview with Taste of Country, Lainey got real about their finances. She described Duck as being "pretty frugal"—which she loves—except when it comes to one specific thing: hunting.
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- He splurges on high-end duck hunting gear.
- She splurges on vintage guitars and bell bottoms.
- Neither one tells the other what to do.
It’s a simple rule, but it works. They spend their downtime in the woods or on the porch, away from the "whirlwind" of the music industry.
Why Their Relationship Matters to Fans
In an era of celebrity couples that feel manufactured for PR, Lainey Wilson and Duck feel like the neighbors you’d actually want to have a beer with. He’s her biggest cheerleader, often seen on the side of the stage or posting "proud boyfriend" (now fiancé) tributes on Instagram.
When Lainey hosted the CMAs solo in late 2025, Duck was right there, later posting that she "absolutely CRUSHED it." That kind of support is rare, especially when one partner's star is rising as fast as Lainey's.
What's Next for the Couple?
While fans are dying for a "Bell Bottom Wedding," the couple hasn't rushed to the altar. As of early 2026, they are still in the planning phases. Lainey has mentioned that finding the perfect dress is the first real step, but she's also admitted that her schedule is so packed it's hard to find a weekend for a party.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Watch the "4x4xU" Music Video: If you want to see the visual representation of their love story, that's where it lives.
- Check Out "Like a Farmer": Duck has appeared on this podcast/series where he talks more about his life outside of football and his relationship with Lainey.
- Look for the Camo: When Lainey posts from "the woods," chances are she’s out with Duck. It’s their "reset" button.
Lainey Wilson and Duck have proven that you can be a global superstar and still value the simple things—like a cheap beer at a dive bar and a partner who knows exactly how to call a duck (or a goose).