Lainey Wilson Opens Up About Financial Struggles Before Meeting Fiance Devlin Hodges
Country music sensation and Yellowstone star Lainey Wilson has shared a candid glimpse into her past financial difficulties, revealing just how broke she was when she first crossed paths with NFL player Devlin ‘Duck’ Hodges. The 33-year-old singer-songwriter, who has been in a relationship with the former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback since 2021, didn’t shy away from admitting her less-than-glamorous financial situation when their romance began.
A recently released teaser clip for her upcoming Netflix documentary, “Lainey Wilson: Keepin’ Country Cool,” offers a poignant moment where Wilson points to a photograph. “That was the night we met,” she explains. “I was broke. I was so broke when we met. And he thought I was doing a little bit better than I was. But a few weeks after we met, my sister had to Venmo me a couple hundred bucks.”
The documentary then transitions to Wilson performing her song “Yesterday, All Day, Every Day” with her band, a performance that underscores her journey and resilience. Wilson elaborated on her early passion for songwriting, highlighting the profound sense of accomplishment she felt.
“I knew whenever I had written my first song that I loved how it made me feel when I was in the middle of writing the song,” she recalled.
“When I was coming up with the idea, feeling like, ‘Man, I created something from nothing. How cool is that.’”
The documentary weaves in nostalgic home video footage of a young Wilson strumming a guitar, alongside early clips of her performing in intimate, small bar settings. This visual narrative emphasizes her unwavering dedication to her craft.
“And I knew that that feeling was so special that I couldn’t completely let it go, and I think that’s why I knew it was my calling,” Wilson stated, reflecting on the deep-seated conviction that guided her career path.
“Lainey Wilson: Keepin’ Country Cool” is slated to begin streaming on Netflix on Wednesday, April 22.
A Country Fairytale: Engagement and Wedding Plans
The couple’s journey has continued to blossom, with Wilson and Hodges announcing their engagement in February 2025. Hodges popped the question at the historic George Jones estate in Franklin, Tennessee, presenting Wilson with a dazzling diamond engagement ring nestled inside a custom box shaped like a cowboy hat – a fitting tribute to her country roots.
Rumours circulating since last August have pointed towards Wilson planning a spectacular country-style wedding. The envisioned celebration is set to take place in Nashville, Tennessee, where the beloved country crooner owns a sprawling 30-acre property.
“That is the best location because she has deep ties there and also Devlin has ties to Alabama, which is only a four-hour drive away,” a source close to the couple revealed, highlighting the strategic choice of venue for its sentimental and geographical significance.
The wedding is expected to be a true celebration of country living, complete with a themed venue that will feature horses. Described as “sexy country,” the aesthetic aims for a “California cowgirl look, so traditional with a little sassiness thrown in,” according to an insider.
Wilson is reportedly already immersed in wedding dress shopping, seeking a gown that accentuates her slender figure while embodying Southern charm. The vision is a blend of “Southern belle meets music royalty.” However, in a nod to practicality and style, it’s been hinted that she “won’t walk down the aisle with a cowgirl hat on.”
A Star-Studded Guest List and Musical Merriment
The guest list for this highly anticipated celebration is expected to read like a who’s who of country music and Hollywood. Several of Wilson’s Yellowstone castmates, including Ian Bohen, who portrayed her love interest Ryan, are anticipated to attend.
The event will likely also draw a crowd of major country music artists, with names like Dolly Parton, Luke Combs, and Anne Wilson being mentioned as potential attendees. However, the most cherished guest will undoubtedly be Wilson’s sister, Janna Sadler, with whom she shared her childhood in Louisiana.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, the wedding will feature live bands offering a diverse musical selection. “There will be all kinds of music, like country, jazz and retro music, it will be a great mix,” a source shared. “And Lainey may even sing herself,” adding a personal and memorable touch to the reception.
Interestingly, just a few months ago, Wilson had indicated that wedding planning was not yet a primary focus. “Of course we sit around and talk about like, what we would want,” the Grammy Award-winner told Taste of Country. “Just trying to figure out is it [the wedding] big or small? Is cousin so-and-so coming? Is cousin so-and-so not?”
The couple, who have been together since 2021, maintained a private romance until making their official red-carpet debut in 2023, signalling their readiness to share their love story with the public.
