Full Breakdown
Lainey Wilson and Devlin “Duck” Hodges Wed at Tennessee’s Ruskin Cave
5/15/2026, 12:29:41 PM
Core Event: A Waterfall-Backed Cave Wedding
Country-music star Lainey Wilson (33) and former NFL quarterback Devlin “Duck” Hodges (30) exchanged vows on May 10 at the Ruskin Cave in Dickson, Tennessee. The ceremony took place on a cobblestone ledge at the foot of a natural waterfall, with the couple arriving in a white horse-drawn carriage and a small crowd of family, friends, and country-music peers in attendance.
Background & Context
Wilson and Hodges met on a blind date in 2021 in Nashville. Their relationship remained private until a public debut at the 2023 ACM Awards. After a February 2025 proposal at the George Jones estate, the pair selected Ruskin Cave after spotting a billboard while driving backroads, describing the venue’s “natural beauty” and “simplicity” as the perfect setting.
Timeline of the Relationship
- 2021 – Blind-date meeting in Nashville.
- June 2023 – Public debut at the ACM Awards.
- February 2025 – Engagement at George Jones’s historic home.
- May 10 (2025 or 2026) – Wedding at Ruskin Cave.
Key Figures & Groups
- Lainey Wilson – Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, also known for her role on *Yellowstone*.
- Devlin “Duck” Hodges – Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, now a realtor.
- Wes Williams – Wilson’s friend and mentor, officiated the ceremony.
- Rebirth Brass Band – 12-piece New Orleans jazz ensemble that led a second-line march, reflecting Wilson’s Louisiana roots.
- Bell Bottoms Up – Wilson’s Nashville bar, which supplied the Cajun-style catering.
Data & Statistics
- Venue: Ruskin Cave, a 160-acre property founded in 1986, featuring limestone caves and a waterfall.
- Ages: Wilson 33; Hodges 30.
- Attire: Wilson wore a custom Oscar de Renta halter gown with Japanese cherry-blossom appliqués; Hodges wore a bespoke D. Lacquaniti green suit with a custom bolo tie, boots by Golden West Boots, and a Charlie 1 Horse hat.
Official Statements & Responses
Wilson described the venue as “my absolute dream ceremony,” noting that the waterfall “convinced us to do the ceremony in this spot.” She emphasized a desire for a “special and beautiful, but really welcoming and comfortable” celebration, adding that the Cajun second-line march brought a “touch of my home in Louisiana” to Tennessee. Hodges, while not quoted directly, participated in planning the proposal and the wedding, and both highlighted the event as a “new chapter” in their lives.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Duck and I were driving backroads in Tennessee and saw a billboard for The Ruskin Cave.” — Lainey Wilson, Country Singer
- “My absolute dream ceremony,” — Lainey Wilson
- “I have never seen Duck smile as big as he did then. It made me feel giddy about turning the page into this next chapter of marriage. We were both anxious to say ‘I do!’” — Lainey Wilson
- “The cherry blossom represents living in the moment, and that's exactly what we did,” — Lainey Wilson
- “It was so lovely to have that touch of my home in Louisiana up here in Tennessee,” — Lainey Wilson
- “To close out a perfect evening, Duck and I followed the band through a send-off line of sparklers and cheering loved ones, climbed into an old white Ford truck, and drove off!” — Lainey Wilson
Why It Matters / Impact
The wedding blended high-profile country-music culture with regional traditions, showcasing Louisiana second-line customs in a Tennessee setting. Fans and peers praised the ceremony as a “fairytale” moment, and the event reinforced Wilson’s brand as a bridge between contemporary country pop and her Southern heritage.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the wedding year: Fox News, People, and CBS list May 10 2025, while ArtThreat, Billboard, and some entertainment outlets cite May 10 2026. No source provides an official correction, leaving the exact year ambiguous. Additionally, while the ceremony’s guest list is mentioned, precise attendance numbers are not disclosed.
What’s Next
Wilson’s upcoming documentary, *Lainey Wilson: Keepin’ Country Cool*, will feature reflections on her career and personal life. Both Wilson and Hodges have hinted at future collaborative projects, though details remain limited.
