CMA Awards Host Lainey Wilson Has Red Carpet Date With Fiancé Devlin ‘Duck’ Hodges

Lainey Wilson and her fiancé Devlin “Duck” Hodges stepped out in style for the 2025 CMA Awards. The songstress has a big night ahead of her as she’s been given the big responsibility of hosting the show solo this year, but before she takes the stage, she walked the red carpet with her other half by her side.

The Louisiana native immediately made a statement when she appeared in her stunning blue pantsuit equipped with a deep v-neck and a bedazzled design. She paired the look with a long, mesh cape and a matching cowboy hat. Meanwhile, Duck sported an elevated western style with a long tan jacket, leather vest and of course, a sharp black cowboy hat.

This glamorous date night comes amid wedding planning for the lovebirds. Wilson said “yes” to the former NFL quarterback’s heartfelt proposal back in February, but has been taking things slow in planning the moment they say “I Do.” She previously revealed that she is in no rush to walk down the aisle and is instead focused on making sure the big day is perfect.

In a past interview with Country Living, the superstar joked that Duck is “gonna kill me” because she is determined to “make him wait” for the big day in return for his delay in popping the question.

“He made me wait for four years. I’m gonna make him wait before we start planning this thing,” she declared.

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Wilson and Hodges’ love story began several years before going public at the 2023 ACM Awards, when they walked their very first red carpet together. At the time when they met through a friend in Nashville, Wilson was making big strides in her music career while Hodges was playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Despite both navigating major life changes, they found a way to support each other and grow even stronger together. Hodges never fails to show his love for Wilson by cheering her on at concerts and award shows and watching as she lives out her dreams each day. 

The 2025 CMA Awards is an especially important night to have his support as Wilson will not only be hosting but also performing. Plus, she is one of the most nominated artists of the night with six nominations, tying her with fellow female acts Ella Langley and Megan Moroney.

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Wilson is being recognized in the categories of Entertainer of the Year, Single and Song of the Year (“4x4xU”), Album of the Year (Whirlwind), Female Vocalist of the Year and Music Video of the Year (“Somewhere Over Laredo”).

The 59th Annual CMA Awards airs live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 19 (8:00–11:00 PM ET) on ABC.

The show also features performances by Keith Urban, Little Big Town, Luke Combs, Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, Zach Top, Tucker Wetmore, Stephen Wilson Jr., Kelsea Ballerini, Brandi Carlile, Kenny Chesney, Riley Green, Patty Loveless, Old Dominion, The Red Clay Strays, and Chris Stapleton. 

Additionally, Luke Combs & BigXthaPlug, Shaboozey & Stephen Wilson Jr., and Chris Stapleton & Miranda Lambert brought exciting collaborative performances to the CMA Awards stage.

Lady A, Alison Brown, Jessica Capshaw, Billy Ray Cyrus, Lauren Daigle, Jordan Davis, Elizabeth Hurley, Cody Johnson, Bert Kreischer, Brandon Lake, Ella Langley, Steve Martin, Leanne Morgan, NE-YO, Chris O’Donnell, Kimberly Perry, LeAnn Rimes, Alan Ritchson, Lara Spencer, Billy Bob Thornton, Grace Van Patten, Gretchen Wilson, and Bailey Zimmerman all appeared during the show.

The 59th Annual CMA Awards will be available for next-day streaming on Hulu.