If you’ve spent any time on the internet lately, you’ve probably seen the AI-generated photos. You know the ones—Lainey Wilson in a massive, puffy white gown, standing next to a guy in a tuxedo, looking like they just stepped out of a Hallmark movie. The headlines scream about a "secret wedding."
But here’s the thing. They’re fake. All of them.
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Honestly, if you're looking for a Lainey Wilson husband, you're going to be looking for a while, because as of January 2026, the "Watermelon Moonshine" singer isn't actually married yet. She is, however, very much engaged to the man the world knows as "Duck."
The Man Behind the Nickname: Who is Devlin Hodges?
Let’s set the record straight. Lainey isn't dating some mystery billionaire or a fellow country superstar. Her fiancé is Devlin "Duck" Hodges.
If that name sounds familiar to sports fans, it’s because he used to be a quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He wasn't just a benchwarmer, either; he stepped up during the 2019 season and became a bit of a cult hero in Pennsylvania. Nowadays, he’s traded the gridiron for a real estate license, working with Myers Cobb Realtors.
Why "Duck"? It’s not because he walks like one.
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His college coach at Samford University gave him the moniker because he reminded him of another player. It stuck. It probably helps that Devlin is actually a champion duck caller in real life. Talk about a guy who knows his brand.
Keeping it Under Wraps (For Two Years!)
The most impressive thing about this couple isn't the red carpets or the awards. It’s that they managed to date for two whole years before anyone in the public had a clue.
They met through mutual friends in Nashville back in 2021. Think about that for a second. In an era where every celebrity move is tracked by DeuxMoi or caught on a fan's TikTok, they flew completely under the radar.
Lainey finally let the cat out of the bag at the 2023 ACM Awards. She showed up in her signature green bell bottoms with Duck on her arm, and the internet basically melted.
"He’s good as gold," Lainey told Bobby Bones in an interview. "He knows what it’s like chasing a dream because he’s done that for himself."
The Proposal: 4x4xU Forever
In February 2025, the relationship hit a new gear. Duck popped the question in Franklin, Tennessee, at the former home of the legendary George Jones. It was high-key romantic—roses, candles, and a ring box shaped like a tiny cowboy hat.
Lainey shared the news on Instagram with the caption "4x4xU forever," a nod to her hit song that was actually inspired by their time together.
The ring? It’s a beast. Experts estimate the multi-stone cluster is somewhere between 5 and 7 carats. That’s not just a ring; that’s a lighthouse on her finger.
What’s the Hold Up on the Wedding?
If they’re so in love, why aren't we seeing wedding photos yet?
Lainey is busy. Like, "hosting the CMAs and touring the entire world" busy. Just this morning, news broke from Whiskey Riff that even Duck is starting to wonder when they’re actually going to tie the knot. Apparently, he jokingly asked her if the wedding was still happening because her schedule is so packed.
She’s currently on what she calls her "holiday down time," which mostly involves building a wedding board on Pinterest.
2026: The Year of the Bell-Bottom Bride
During her acceptance speech at the 2025 CMA Awards, where she took home Entertainer of the Year, Lainey basically gave us the RSVP.
"We getting married next year, come on now!" she shouted to the crowd.
That puts the big day sometime in 2026. She’s already mentioned that the dress is a top priority—and let’s be real, we’re all dying to see if she finds a way to incorporate bell bottoms into a wedding gown.
The guest list is reportedly getting out of hand, too. When you’re the sweetheart of country music, you can’t exactly have a "small" ceremony. We’re talking potential invites for:
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- Dolly Parton
- Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO
- Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani
- The entire cast of Yellowstone
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you're following the journey toward the Lainey Wilson husband era, keep these facts in your back pocket to avoid the clickbait:
- Ignore the "Secret Wedding" Rumors: If she hasn't posted it on her official Instagram or mentioned it on a major awards stage, it hasn't happened.
- Follow the Real Duck: Devlin Hodges is active on social media and often shares the "behind the scenes" of their life that doesn't make it into the tabloids.
- Watch the Lyrics: If you want to know how she really feels about him, listen to "4x4xU" or "Whirlwind." She writes her own life into her music.
- Expect a 2026 Date: All signs point to a spring or summer wedding this year, likely in Tennessee or perhaps back home in Louisiana.
Lainey and Duck are a rare breed in the celebrity world. They’re "balling on a budget" types who just happen to be incredibly famous. Whether they get married in a field or a cathedral, one thing is for sure: it’s going to be the country wedding of the decade.