Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Lainey Wilson and Duck Hodges Announce Engagement After Private Romance

11/20/2025

24 5 Full Breakdown

Center

Wilson and Hodges Engage

Lainey Wilson and Devlin "Duck" Hodges began dating in 2021 and announced their engagement in February 2025.
Devlin "Duck" Hodges earned his nickname at Samford University in Alabama.
The couple kept their relationship private for two years before publicly debuting at the ACM Awards in May 2023.
At the 2025 CMA Awards, Wilson hosted, was nominated for six awards, and Hodges supported her on the red carpet in Nashville, Tennessee.

Right

Wilson Hosts CMA Awards

Lainey Wilson, a country music artist, will host the Country Music Association Awards (CMA Awards) for the second consecutive year on November 19, 2025.
She reached out to Reba McEntire for hosting solo tips.
Wilson shared a humorous anecdote about lying on her first date with fiancé Devlin "Duck" Hodges.
With wedding plans in the works, they are discussing a guest list.

History

Historical Context

The Country Music Association Awards, established in 1967, honor outstanding achievements in country music, with the Entertainer of the Year award being the most prestigious. Lainey Wilson's engagement to Devlin "Duck" Hodges in February 2025 reflects the growing influence of celebrity relationships on public interest in the awards, highlighting how artists shape the culture and community of country music.

1 of 3

Wilson and Hodges Engage

Lainey Wilson and Devlin "Duck" Hodges began dating in 2021 and announced their engagement in February 2025.
Devlin "Duck" Hodges earned his nickname at Samford University in Alabama.
The couple kept their relationship private for two years before publicly debuting at the ACM Awards in May 2023.
At the 2025 CMA Awards, Wilson hosted, was nominated for six awards, and Hodges supported her on the red carpet in Nashville, Tennessee.

1 / 3