Maintaining a strong and meaningful relationship amidst the chaos of fame and demanding careers is no small feat, but country star Lainey Wilson and her fiancé Devlin “Duck” Hodges seem to have found their rhythm. The couple, who announced their engagement in February 2025, has been navigating the challenges of balancing personal life with professional obligations since they began dating in 2021.
Wilson, known for hits like “Somewhere Over Laredo” and “Whirlwind,” recently shared insights into how she and Hodges keep their bond strong despite hectic schedules. One of the key elements, she revealed, is intentional effort to spend quality time together. With both individuals immersed in high-pressure careers — Wilson as a rising country music sensation and Hodges as a former NFL quarterback turned real estate agent — carving out moments for each other requires planning and commitment.
“You have to definitely carve out the time,” Wilson explained during an exclusive interview. “It has to be something that you’re very aware of, and you’re like, ‘Okay, I’ve got a day off here in 10 days. I’ve got to dedicate that day to spend time with my person.’” She emphasized that these rare opportunities are cherished, noting how important it is for both parties to feel valued and prioritized.
Beyond the logistical hurdles, the foundation of their relationship lies in deep emotional connection and friendship. Wilson described Hodges as her “best friend” and praised his character, calling him one of the “purest hearts” she’s ever met. He’s not just a romantic partner, but also her biggest supporter — someone who encourages her ambitions without trying to overshadow them. “We don’t really play by the rules,” she added, hinting at the unconventional nature of their love story.
Unlike many celebrity relationships, theirs doesn’t follow a typical timeline or structure. Due to Wilson’s life on the road and Hodges’ evolving career path, they’ve had to adapt constantly. “We’re kind of figuring it out as we go,” she admitted, adding that this sense of discovery has brought them closer together rather than pushing them apart.
Their romance first captured public attention in May 2023 when Hodges made a surprise appearance alongside Wilson at the ACM Awards. Their red carpet debut quickly became one of the event’s most talked-about moments, sparking widespread speculation about the depth of their relationship. However, prior to that, the pair had largely kept their romance private, preferring to let their connection develop away from the spotlight.
In earlier interviews, including a conversation with radio personality Bobby Bones, Wilson spoke highly of Hodges’ unwavering support and grounded nature. Calling him “a good dude” and “good as gold,” she reiterated that he never interferes with her artistic pursuits, instead choosing to stand by her side through every step of her journey.
Ultimately, what sets Wilson and Hodges apart is their ability to remain flexible, communicative, and emotionally attuned despite the unique pressures of their lives. As they prepare for married life following their February 2025 engagement announcement, fans continue to root for the couple whose love story is as authentic as it is inspiring.
