Country music artist Lainey Wilson graced the red carpet at the 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards (ACM Awards) just a week after marrying former NFL player Devlin “Duck” Hodges. The star-studded event took place on May 17 in Las Vegas, where Wilson showcased her bold new look, stunning in a vibrant red dress designed by Marmar Halim.
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Wilson, a seven-time nominee at this year’s awards, was radiant as she flaunted her new marital bliss. The 33-year-old singer appeared to be thriving in her role as a newlywed, having tied the knot on May 10 in Dickson, Tennessee. Her chosen ensemble for the ACM Awards ceremony included an eye-catching strapless pleated corset dress with a fringe skirt—a striking departure from the traditional bridal attire she wore on her wedding day.
On her special day, Wilson opted for a classic Oscar de la Renta gown; however, for the ACMs, she moved away from conventional bridal colours to embrace a more attention-grabbing outfit. Leaving behind her signature cowgirl hat, favoured by many of her fans, she instead let her honey blonde hair cascade elegantly over her shoulders, accentuating her statement earrings.
Hodges, 30, complemented his wife’s radiant appearance with his own classic Western aesthetic. He donned a sleek black suit paired with a crisp white shirt, further enhancing his look with a bolo tie and an accented belt—perfect for the country music celebration.
During an interview on the Amazon Music pre-show livestream, Wilson shared insights into how she managed to organise her wedding amid a busy schedule filled with professional commitments, including the Stagecoach music festival. She expressed a light-hearted approach to her hectic itinerary, stating, “Always just trying to keep my head screwed on straight. I was like, we gotta find a window. I’m like, as long as I got my phone, my keys, my wallet, my man, I’m good.”
The couple’s relationship blossomed in 2021 when they started dating, initially making their debut together at the ACM Awards in May 2023. Their engagement announcement followed in February 2025, marked by an endearing proposal that incorporated Wilson’s love for hats. She recounted that her engagement ring was presented in a hat-shaped box, signifying both her fashion sense and personal history: “Even the hat box situation, he proposed to me with the little hat box, and so just being able to do that and also at the same time be celebrating our engagement and our love, it feels good.”
Wilson and Hodges exchanged vows at The Ruskin, a venue they selected after seeing a billboard and falling for its charm. The singer described the venue’s natural beauty and the simplicity of the site as pivotal to her perfect wedding day, calling it her “absolute dream ceremony.”
The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards not only featured Wilson but also showcased an array of talent in the country music industry, all under the hosting of Shania Twain. The event was streamed live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena, promising a spectacular evening of entertainment and celebration.
As the night unfolded, Wilson’s presence and the couple’s newlywed happiness radiated through the event, capturing the essence of love and celebration within the realm of country music. With her impressive haul of nominations and a powerful performance set for the evening, Lainey Wilson undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the ACM Awards.