Lainey Wilson is not only engaged to Devlin “Duck” Hodges, but she is actively planning to marry him in 2026, amidst the whirlwind of her award-winning music career. The “Bell Bottom Country” star, who publicly declared “We’re getting married next year!” while accepting the Entertainer of the Year award at the 2025 CMA Awards, is now shaping a celebration as authentic as her music. This is the story of a superstar’s engagement, the simple wedding dreams she holds, and the busy life that has kept her from setting a firm date.
The “4x4xU Forever” Engagement
The journey to “I do” began with a perfect surprise. In February 2025, Hodges proposed to Wilson at the historic George Jones estate in Franklin, Tennessee. He cleverly suggested a tour of the property, which was for sale, to set the scene. Wilson had a feeling but talked herself out of it until they arrived and she saw the setup: candles, framed photos, and roses strewn across the porch steps.
The now-famous Instagram announcement was captioned simply with the title of her love song, “4x4xU”, a track she had dedicated to him. The proposal sealed a romance that began quietly years earlier.
Planning (or Lack Thereof) Amid a Whirlwind
Nearly a year after the proposal, detailed wedding planning has taken a deliberate backseat to Wilson’s demanding career. As of early 2026, the couple has not yet set a specific wedding date.
Wilson’s schedule has been relentless. Following the engagement, she hosted the CMA Awards in November 2025, winning the night’s top prize. She performed for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, shared the stage with Snoop Dogg on Christmas, and hosted a New Year’s Eve bash in Nashville. As of February 2026, she is on an international tour across Australia and New Zealand.
This busyness has led to a running joke between the couple. Hodges has asked, “Are we really getting married?” to which Wilson reassuringly replies, “We are… we’re doing it”. She admits planning is just beginning, having only started a Pinterest board.
A Simple, Family-Focused Vision
Contrary to rumors of an extravagant celebrity bash, Wilson’s vision for the day is refreshingly grounded. She told People at the 2026 Grammys that she wants it to be about “what it’s supposed to be about”.
Guest List: Intimate, including only her closest family—her parents, sister, and nieces.
Food: A meaningful blend of their tastes: Louisiana Cajun flair for her and a good steak for Hodges.
Attire: While details are secret, Wilson has said she plans to step “outside of the box” with her wedding dress, hoping to make Hodges “boohoo” when he sees her. Fans and media speculate a bell-bottom influence wouldn’t be surprising.
The Relationship Timeline: From Private to Public
Date
Milestone
Key Details
2021
Began Dating
Met through mutual friends in Nashville.
May 2023
Public Debut
First red-carpet appearance at the ACM Awards.
February 2025
Engagement
Hodges proposed at the George Jones estate.
November 2025
2026 Wedding Announced
Wilson declared “We’re getting married next year!” at the CMA Awards.
January 2026
Personal Time
The couple was seen duck hunting together, enjoying shared interests.
Early 2026
Planning Phase
Wilson shares her simple wedding vision during Grammy events.
Who is Devlin “Duck” Hodges?
Behind the famous fiancé is a man with his own notable career. Devlin Hodges, 29, is a former NFL quarterback who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Rams before retiring in 2022.
The Nickname: “Duck” originated from his college football days and is fitting for an avid duck hunter.
Current Career: He now works as a real estate agent in Tennessee, specializing in land and recreational properties.
Supportive Partner: His realtor profile notes he enjoys “traveling to concerts and being on the road” with Wilson. Wilson calls him her biggest “cheerleader”.
A Career at Its Peak
Understanding the wedding delay requires a look at Wilson’s unprecedented career momentum. The past year has been a string of major successes:
Historic CMA Wins: In 2025, she became the Entertainer of the Year, the third woman to ever solo-host the CMA Awards.
Tour and Recognition: She toured her album “Whirlwind” (which won Album of the Year) and scored her 9th number-one single.
Business Ventures: She owns the Nashville bar “Bell Bottoms Up,” which she promoted in her CMA speech.
Conclusion
Lainey Wilson’s path to the altar in 2026 is a modern celebrity tale. It’s a story of a private romance nurtured for years, a fairytale proposal, and a wedding dream that prioritizes intimate authenticity over lavish spectacle. While the exact date remains a mystery, one thing is clear: when the “Bell Bottom Country” star finally walks down the aisle, it will be a true reflection of the love she sings about—grounded, real, and well worth the wait.
As Wilson continues to conquer the music world, her personal life remains anchored by a simple promise made at a country estate and a wedding vision focused on family, good food, and the man who finally inspired her love songs.
