It has been just over four months since Lainey Wilson and former NFL quarterback Devlin “Duck” Hodges exchanged vows, and the country star says married life has been even better than she imagined.
Wilson recently opened up about her new chapter during a backstage interview with Entertainment Tonight at the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas on September 19.
When asked what has surprised her most about being married, Wilson responded with her trademark humor.
“I hadn’t got rid of him yet,” she joked, adding that the answer probably surprised Hodges too.
But when she spoke seriously about life as a newlywed, Wilson made it clear that she is enjoying every moment.
“It just feels good,” she said, describing their marriage as the beginning of a “beautiful chapter.” Wilson also praised her husband, calling him “the best thing that’s ever happened to me” and saying he is a good man.
When Entertainment Tonight referred to Hodges as her “copilot,” Wilson immediately agreed.
“He is,” she said.
A NEW CHAPTER FOR THE COUPLE
Wilson and Hodges were married in May at Ruskin Cave in Dickson, Tennessee, surrounded by family, friends, and a number of familiar faces from the country music world.
Among the guests were Luke Bryan, Ian Munsick, Lauren Alaina, Ella Langley, Miranda Lambert, Wynonna Judd, Ashland Craft, Drew Baldridge, and Jelly Roll.
Their wedding followed Hodges’ February 2025 proposal, which took place outside George Jones’ former estate in Franklin, Tennessee.
Since saying “I do,” Wilson has continued balancing her personal life with an increasingly busy career.
LAINEY HONORS DOLLY PARTON
During the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Festival, Wilson also delivered a special tribute to one of her biggest musical heroes, Dolly Parton.
She performed “WWDD,” a song she wrote for Parton that originally appeared on her 2021 album Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’, before performing Parton’s iconic hit “9 to 5.”
Wilson spoke warmly about what Parton has meant to her throughout her career, calling the country legend her hero and someone she looked up to for guidance and inspiration.
She also reflected on meeting Parton personally, saying the experience exceeded everything she had imagined.
LOOKING AHEAD TO THE CMA AWARDS
Wilson’s schedule remains packed as she prepares for several upcoming festival appearances before returning to Nashville for the 60th Annual CMA Awards.
She is set to return as host of the ceremony, which is scheduled to air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on November 18.
The upcoming ceremony will mark Wilson’s third consecutive year as host and her second time handling the hosting duties on her own. In previous years, she shared the role with Peyton Manning and Luke Bryan.
Wilson is also heading into the ceremony with three nominations, including Entertainer of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, and Single of the Year for “Somewhere Over Laredo.”
Between a thriving career and what she describes as a beautiful new chapter with Hodges, Wilson has plenty to celebrate as she heads into another major season in country music.