AceShowbiz - Lainey Wilson discovered lasting love with former NFL quarterback Devlin "Duck" Hodges, culminating in a memorable wedding held in a stunning cave setting in Tennessee. Their union took place in May 2026 at The Ruskin Cave in Dickson, Tennessee, five years after their first encounter on a blind date.

The couple’s choice of venue was inspired by a spontaneous moment during a drive through Tennessee’s backroads. Lainey shared with Vogue that they noticed a billboard advertising The Ruskin Cave, and when Devlin asked if she wanted to get married there, she immediately agreed. They visited the site, instantly captivated by the cave’s natural charm and the simplicity of the surrounding property.

Although Lainey Wilson and Devlin Hodges had been together for over two years, they publicly revealed their relationship at the ACM Awards red carpet in May 2023. This marked their first official appearance as a couple after quietly dating for quite some time.

Who Is Devlin 'Duck' Hodges?

Devlin "Duck" Hodges was an accomplished athlete during his high school years before attending Samford University in his home state. There, he thrived as a quarterback and earned the Southern Conference Offensive Player of the Year award three times. His nickname "Duck" originated from his college coach, who likened him to one of his favorite former players nicknamed Duck. As Lainey Wilson revealed on The Bobby Bones Show in June 2023, the nickname stuck with him, and coincidentally, Duck is also an avid duck hunter.

Devlin’s professional football career began in 2019 when he signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He later had brief stints with the Los Angeles Rams and the Canadian Football League’s Ottawa Redblacks. On April 22, 2022, the Redblacks announced that Devlin had retired from professional football.

Since retiring, Duck Hodges has transitioned into a career in real estate. He works with Messy Oak Properties according to his LinkedIn profile. He also launched a real estate-focused Instagram account in February 2023, though that page is no longer active.

The Beginning of Lainey Wilson and Duck Hodges’ Relationship

The couple began dating more than two years before their public debut at the ACM Awards in May 2023. Rumors about their relationship started circulating in the weeks leading up to the event. In late April, during a concert in Pittsburgh where Lainey was opening for Luke Combs, she and her band wore jerseys bearing Duck’s name. Around the same time, Devlin Hodges showed his support on social media when Lainey was nominated for the CMT Awards, enthusiastically endorsing her for Female Video of the Year.

Lainey Wilson’s Reflections on Dating Duck Hodges

In a June 2023 appearance on the Bobby Bones podcast, Lainey spoke openly about her relationship with Duck Hodges. She described him as "good as gold," emphasizing how supportive he has been of her career. She praised his encouragement, explaining that he never gets in the way of her ambitions and is always rooting for her success. Lainey also admitted they took their time before making their relationship public, wanting to be sure of his intentions.

In a separate interview with People, she elaborated on why they kept their romance private for two years. Lainey explained that she needed to confirm that Duck was committed for the right reasons. She also shared how well he fit into her circle, noting how he quickly became friends with many of her artist colleagues. She recalled how people found it amusing to see him high-five her friends at the ACMs, but for her, that just meant he was genuinely accepted by her peers.

Lainey also mentioned how Duck often FaceTimes her while spending time with well-known artists such as HARDY, Morgan Wallen, and Luke Combs. She joked about him "stealing" her buddies but expressed no concern since he is a "very lovable person" who naturally fits into her life and friendships.

The Couple’s Distinctive Cave Wedding

Their wedding was a unique affair, taking place inside a cave in Dickson, Tennessee. Lainey wore a sophisticated Oscar de la Renta gown adorned with delicate cherry blossom details on the bodice, adding an elegant touch to the natural setting.

Describing their special day to Vogue, Lainey said they wanted the celebration to feel special and beautiful, yet welcoming and comfortable for their guests. The couple aimed to keep the atmosphere lighthearted, embracing a laid-back vibe instead of a formal one.

Lainey, who stars in Yellowstone and hails from Louisiana, infused the event with a bit of Cajun culture. They hired a 12-piece jazz band called Rebirth to perform and served a Cajun meal prepared by chefs from her bar, Bell Bottoms Up, blending southern charm with their personal tastes.

The intimate and distinctive setting, combined with personal touches from both Lainey and Devlin Hodges, made their wedding not only a celebration of their love but also a reflection of their personalities and roots. This memorable day will undoubtedly stand out as a highlight in their shared journey.