Lainey Wilson and Husband Devlin Hodges Make Debut at 2026 ACMs

Country Music's Power Couple Lights Up the Red Carpet After Private Wedding

Just days after exchanging vows in a private Tennessee ceremony, Lainey Wilson and her new husband, former NFL quarterback Devlin “Duck” Hodges, turned the 2026 ACM Awards into their ultimate post-wedding celebration. Walking hand-in-hand at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, the couple looked glowing during their first official public appearance as husband and wife.

Married life looks good on Lainey Wilson and Devlin 'Duck' Hodges! ???? The couple hit the red carpet together for the ACM Awards, marking their first public event since tying the knot last week.

(????: jpasc24) pic.twitter.com/3CQcbcGjfo

— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) May 17, 2026

Wilson stole the show in a striking, vibrant red fringed dress. Hodges kept it classic but country, matching her energy in a sleek black suit paired with a distinct mallard green bolo tie. The venue holds a special place for the couple, who originally went public with their relationship on this very same red carpet back in May 2023.

Image source: 2026 ACM Awards

Inside Their Secret Waterfall Ceremony

The glamorous Las Vegas outing comes right after a massive personal milestone. On May 10, the pair quietly tied the knot in front of a breathtaking waterfall at Ruskin Cave in Dickson, Tennessee.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Lainey Wilson (@laineywilson)

Also Read: Know About Ella Langley’s Career, Awards and ACM 2026 Wins

The intimate wedding celebrated their five-year journey together. While the ceremony itself was private, the guest list featured heavy hitters from the country music community, including:

• Luke Bryan

• Miranda Lambert

• Wynonna Judd

• HARDY

The romantic wedding follows a memorable February 2025 proposal, where Hodges popped the question on the steps of country music legend George Jones’ former estate.

 

 

 

 

 

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A Historic Night for Wilson at the 2026 ACMs

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Lainey Wilson (@laineywilson)

Beyond celebrating her marriage, Wilson entered the night as one of the most celebrated artists of the evening. She racked up seven nominations, including the night's biggest honor: Entertainer of the Year.

Much of the buzz surrounds her hit track “Somewhere Over Laredo,” which grabbed nominations across the Single, Song, and Visual Media categories. Fans are also anticipating her high-energy performance of “Can’t Sit Still” later in the evening.

“It still hasn’t sunk in yet.” ❤️

Newlyweds Lainey Wilson and Devlin “Duck” Hodges hit the red carpet at the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards just one week after saying “I do.”

Wilson said seeing Duck’s reaction to her wedding dress made the moment even sweeter. pic.twitter.com/DpyLFRcq6a

— Fox News Entertainment (@FoxNewsEnt) May 17, 2026

With icon Shania Twain hosting the event streaming live on Prime Video, the night marks a massive shift in female representation for the genre. Artists like Megan Moroney (nine nominations) and Miranda Lambert (eight nominations) are leading the charge, proving that country music's women are dominating the charts and the stage.