Country music star and “Yellowstone” actress Lainey Wilson is officially engaged, and the story behind her proposal is as heartwarming as her songs.
Wilson recently revealed that her fiancé, former NFL quarterback Devlin “Duck” Hodges, popped the question in February during a surprise visit to the George Jones estate. The couple had been planning to tour the property—listed by one of Hodges’ real estate friends—when Hodges orchestrated the unexpected moment.
“I had talked myself into thinking he was going to do it that day,” Wilson said in a candid interview with News Channel 5 Nashville. “Then I talked myself out of it because I thought, ‘Man, I sure would be upset if I talked myself into this and that don’t happen.’” But as soon as they pulled up, Wilson said she realized something special was happening. “He had it all set up. He had the candles and the picture frames, and it could not have been more perfect.”
Wilson, 31, shared the moment on Instagram with a sweet caption: “4x4xU forever.”
Although the couple has yet to dive deep into wedding planning, Wilson says she’s envisioning a low-key celebration. “We really need to sit down and make that a priority,” she admitted. “But I’m sure that it’ll be something that’s just very, very simple.”
Their love story has been unfolding for several years. Wilson and Hodges met through mutual friends and began dating in 2021. “We went to this old place called Silverados, and it had free beer and wine from 5 to 10 p.m.,” Wilson recalled to People. “I was like, ‘This boy likes to ball on a budget too. This is gonna work out.’”
Though they only went public in 2023, Wilson says they knew early on they were meant to be. “Honestly, as a joke, right when we first started dating… I had texted him some big rings,” she said. “He was like, ‘Oh, Lord. I better start saving now.’” Years later, Hodges took those designs and created a custom engagement ring.
More than just romantic, their relationship is also a true partnership rooted in support and shared dreams. Hodges, who played for the Steelers and the Rams before transitioning to a career in real estate, understands the demands of a public life. “He knows what it’s like chasing a dream,” Wilson shared on The Bobby Bones Show. “He’s one of my biggest cheerleaders.”
That support means the world to the country singer, especially as her career continues to soar. “I always say that he’s the kind of dude that will high-five you on the way in the door and high-five you on the way out,” Wilson told Fox News Digital.
It’s clear their love is both grounded and joyful—a blend of laughter, faith, and a shared vision for the future. “We knew pretty much immediately,” Wilson said. “It just felt that natural.”
As they look ahead to a life together, one thing is certain: this love story is already hitting all the right notes.