Laney Wilson to Host Country Music Awards Again
Laney Wilson is set to return as the host of the Country Music Awards on Wednesday night, just a few weeks after she shared a confession about lying on her first date with her fiancé, Devlin “Duck” Hodges.
This marks a significant achievement for Wilson, as she becomes only the third woman to host the CMAs repeatedly, joining the ranks of country legends Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire.
Before her hosting gig, Wilson reached out to Reba McEntire for advice on handling the pressures of the awards ceremony alone, admitting, “I’m really happy about this. It’s a big deal, and I have to fill some big shoes.” At a press conference, she expressed her excitement and nerves about the occasion.
“It’s wild to be one of only three solo female hosts in history—Dolly, Reba, and me,” she remarked.
In a lighter moment, she shared how she texted Reba asking for advice. Expecting something simple, she was instead met with a detailed list of tips, leaving her both amused and slightly overwhelmed.
Wilson feels a deep sense of honor in her role as host, emphasizing her gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate country music.
Last year, she co-hosted the CMAs alongside Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning. At that event, she and Hodges were quite the pair in matching black outfits on the red carpet, showcasing a memorable debut as a host.
Currently, there’s much buzz around Wilson and Hodges, especially after he proposed just before Valentine’s Day in 2025, an event that left her in awe. She playfully shared a clip of the proposal on social media, captioning it, “4x4xU forever ❤️.”
In an interview, Wilson recalled a little white lie she told Hodges on their first date to impress him. She claimed everyone called her “Goose,” even though that wasn’t true. “He really seemed to fall for it,” she chuckled, reflecting on the moment.
She has also touched on the challenges of dating while being a touring artist, emphasizing the importance of carving out personal time. “It’s crucial to have dedicated time together,” she said. With both busy schedules, they cherish their moments.
While they haven’t set specific wedding plans yet, Wilson hinted at discussions about the guest list and the size of their upcoming wedding. “We talk about what we envision, whether it’s big or small,” she noted, already dreaming of the details.
The anticipation continues to build as the 59th Annual CMA Awards nears, set to take place on November 19, 2025, at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.
