The Private Romance of Lainey Wilson and Devlin ‘Duck Hodges

The Secret Romance

Lainey Wilson and Devlin ‘Duck Hodges had kept their love story under wraps for two years before finally making it public in 2023. While Wilson’s music often delves into themes of heartbreak, her real-life romance with Hodges is a tale of enduring love and secrecy. The country singer’s introduction of Hodges to her fans at the 2023 ACM Awards was a public declaration of their private romance, which actually began two years earlier. Wilson confirmed the timeline in June 2023, revealing that she nearly blew her own cover in April of that year, giving a subtle nod to her boyfriend on stage.

Lainey Wilson and Boyfriend Devlin Hodges Timeline

Wilson shared an amusing anecdote on The Bobby Bones Show, recounting how a few weeks before the awards show, she and her band had worn Duck Hodges jerseys during a performance in Pittsburgh, sparking rumors about their relationship. Hodges, a former quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers and other NFL teams, retired in 2022. Despite his past in football, his nickname ‘Duck’ has no connection to his hobby of duck hunting. According to Wilson, Hodges is a steadfast and supportive partner, respecting her ambitions and giving her the space to pursue her goals. She jokingly mentioned that she made him wait for over two years before publicly acknowledging their relationship, highlighting the enduring nature of their love story.

Lainey Wilson and Boyfriend Devlin Hodges Timeline

The Beginning of Their Journey

The journey of Lainey Wilson and Devlin ‘Duck’ Hodges began in 2021, a fact confirmed by Wilson two years later. In July 2021, Wilson left a playful comment on Hodges’ Instagram post, igniting a subtle spark between them. The exchange took place when Hodges shared a photo of himself seated on a fence in the countryside, captioned with 'Im your huckleberry.' Wilson’s witty response, 'What you on the fence about?' hinted at the early stages of their connection, offering a glimpse into the budding romance that was yet to be unveiled.

Lainey Wilson and Boyfriend Devlin Hodges Timeline

In April 2023, the speculation surrounding Wilson and Hodges’ relationship intensified when Wilson donned Hodges’ Steelers jersey during a concert in Pittsburgh. This wardrobe choice sparked excitement among fans, with one even speculating about Hodges’ reaction to the gesture. Hodges, in turn, responded with surprise and enthusiasm on social media, confirming that he was indeed present at the concert. Prior to this, Hodges had hinted at their relationship by sharing a photo from Wilson’s Stagecoach Festival performance, expressing gratitude for the friendships and memories while celebrating his birthday. The couple later made their red carpet debut at the 2023 Academy of Country Music Awards, solidifying their public presence as a couple.

A Public Affirmation

In November 2023, Hodges accompanied Wilson to the 2023 Country Music Association Awards in Nashville, where Wilson received five awards, including Entertainer of the Year. Hodges took to social media to express his admiration and support for Wilson, highlighting her hard work and dedication. He praised her work ethic and determination, emphasizing his happiness at seeing her efforts pay off. Their public display of affection and mutual admiration at the awards show further solidified their bond, showcasing a love that had transitioned from secrecy to celebration on the grand stage.

As 2024 began, Wilson offered fans a glimpse into her life on the road through an episode of CMT’s 'On the Road.' The episode featured a heartwarming moment where Hodges appeared on screen, giving Wilson a kiss before her show in Las Vegas. This intimate moment captured their enduring love and showcased the seamless integration of their personal and professional lives. It was a testament to the depth of their bond and the journey they had embarked on together, from a private romance to a public affirmation of their love and support for each other.