Lainey Wilson has a lot to celebrate—her career is soaring, she’s preparing for a major world tour, and now, she’s engaged to her longtime boyfriend, former NFL quarterback Devlin “Duck” Hodges. On February 12, the country music sensation shared the exciting news with her fans by posting a collection of romantic engagement photos that quickly had everyone buzzing.
A Picture-Perfect Proposal
Wilson and Hodges shared their heartfelt proposal photos on Instagram with the caption “4x4xU forever”—a sweet reference to their relationship and Wilson’s hit song, “4x4xU” from her Whirlwind album. The photos showcase a beautifully planned proposal, complete with roses, candles, and framed pictures of the couple on a cozy front porch. One particularly touching photo shows Wilson covering her face in surprise, while another captures the couple sharing a kiss, marking the beginning of their new chapter together.
Wilson also gave fans a close-up look at her stunning engagement ring in a video, flashing her dazzling diamond while beaming with joy.
A Love Story Years in the Making
Wilson and Hodges began their relationship in 2021, but kept it private for a while. They made their red-carpet debut as a couple at the 2023 ACM Awards. Since then, they’ve become one of country music’s favorite couples, with Wilson often expressing how supportive Hodges has been throughout her career.
In an interview with Billboard, Wilson gushed about her fiancé, saying, “Thankfully, I have found a man that is so happy that he’s with a lady that can do her own thing. He’s just my cheerleader.”
Their relationship is built on a mutual understanding of the demands of their respective careers. While Wilson is chasing her country music dreams, Hodges, a former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback who retired in 2022, knows what it’s like to dedicate yourself to a passion.
The Proposal She’s Been Waiting For
Lainey Wilson has never been shy about hinting that she was ready for Hodges to pop the question. Just recently, during an interview with Bunnie XO, she jokingly teased him, saying, “No pressure, brother! No pressure. We waiting!”
Even Hodges seemed to hint at a future together when he saw Wilson dressed in white at the 2024 Grammy Awards and commented, “Gosh dang ❤️🔥 This is what you look like in white?!”
Weeks later, it looks like he made good on all the playful teasing, and Wilson got the proposal she had been hoping for.
A Big Year for Lainey Wilson
While her engagement is a huge milestone, Wilson isn’t slowing down anytime soon. She’s set to kick off her Whirlwind Tour, her first headlining arena tour, which will start in Switzerland in March before heading across Europe and the U.S. through November.
Wilson is already on top of the world, with a Grammy win, back-to-back Entertainer of the Year awards from both the CMA and ACM, and now an engagement to plan. It’s clear that this whirlwind journey is just getting started!
Congratulations to Lainey Wilson and Duck Hodges—it looks like things are about to get even more exciting!