Lainey Wilson: From Watermelon Moonshine to Wedding Bells
Lainey Wilson, the dynamic force behind hits like "Watermelon Moonshine" and a rising star in country music, is riding a wave of personal and professional success. Fresh off her wins for Entertainer of the Year and Female Artist of the Year at the ACM Awards for the second consecutive year, Wilson is also basking in the glow of her recent engagement to Devlin "Duck" Hodges, a former NFL quarterback.
The singer, known for her authentic storytelling and powerful vocals, shared her excitement with Fox News Digital on the ACM Awards red carpet, revealing that Hodges’ proposal was a complete surprise. "Completely shocked, but very excited that I’ve found me a man that’s just easygoing," she gushed. "He is my biggest fan. He high-fives me on the way in the door and he high-fives me on the way out and that’s all I can ask for."
Wilson announced her engagement to Hodges in February 2025 via Instagram, posting heartwarming photos capturing the moment he proposed. The images depict the raw emotion and joy of the occasion, offering fans a glimpse into their blossoming relationship.
While the public confirmation of their relationship came in May 2023 at the ACM Awards, Wilson revealed that they had been dating for two and a half years prior to that red carpet debut. The couple seemingly preferred to keep their romance under wraps initially, building a strong foundation before sharing it with the world.
In a video obtained by News Channel 5 Nashville, Wilson confessed to having fleeting suspicions about a potential proposal leading up to the big day. However, she actively dismissed the idea, fearing disappointment. "Man, I sure would be upset if I talked myself into this and that don’t happen," she admitted.
The day Hodges proposed, the couple had planned a visit to the George Jones estate. As they approached the destination, Wilson realized Hodges had orchestrated something far more special. "And then as we [pulled] up, I realized that there were different plans," she recounted. "So, he had it all set up. He had the candles and the picture frames, and it could not have been more perfect." The carefully planned proposal speaks volumes about Hodges’ thoughtfulness and affection for Wilson.
Beyond her personal life, Wilson continues to make significant strides in her career. Her acting debut in the season five premiere of "Yellowstone" in November 2022, where she played Abby, a musician involved in a relationship with Ryan, a Dutton Ranch hand, showcased her versatility as a performer.
Looking ahead, Wilson is set to star in the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s popular novel, "Reminders of Him." She expressed her enthusiasm for this new venture, telling Fox News Digital that she is "excited" to step outside of her comfort zone. "I’m getting to play a character that I’ve never done anything specifically like this," she explained. "I’m not a musician, which is fun and kind of pushing the boundaries, so we’ll see what happens." This role promises to showcase a different side of Wilson, challenging her acting skills and allowing her to explore new creative avenues.
Wilson’s journey to success in country music has been a testament to her unwavering dedication and hard work. Over 13 years ago, she made the bold move from her small town in Louisiana to Nashville, driven by a burning passion for music. After years of relentless pursuit, her breakthrough came with the release of "Things a Man Oughta Know," which soared to the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. This hit single solidified her position in the industry and launched her into mainstream recognition.
In May 2024, Wilson attributed her strong work ethic and success to her upbringing, joking that her parents were "the ones to blame." She elaborated, "They have truly supported me from the beginning. I truly do think it is from being from a long line of farmers. I mean, on my mom’s side and my daddy’s side. They rolled their sleeves up. They got to work every single day and had good years and bad years, but at the end of the day, they loved it." The values instilled in her by her family, including hard work, perseverance, and a love for what she does, have undoubtedly played a significant role in her achievements.
Her recent double win at the ACM Awards, securing both Entertainer of the Year and Female Artist of the Year for the second year running, underscores her immense talent and widespread appeal. These accolades are a reflection of her consistent dedication to her craft, her ability to connect with audiences on a deep level, and her contributions to the country music genre.
Lainey Wilson’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and authenticity. From her humble beginnings in rural Louisiana to her current status as a celebrated country music star and actress, she has remained true to herself and her roots. As she embarks on this new chapter with her fiancé, Devlin "Duck" Hodges, and continues to explore new opportunities in her career, Lainey Wilson is poised to leave an even greater mark on the entertainment industry. Her fans eagerly anticipate her upcoming movie role, new music, and, of course, details surrounding her wedding plans. One thing is certain: Lainey Wilson’s star is only continuing to rise.
