LUKE Combs is famous for his heart-wrenching country songs about love.
The woman at the forefront of his award-winning country music is Nicole Hocking, Combs’ wife and the mother of his children.
Love story
Luke and Nicole first met at a music writers festival in Florida in 2016, and their meeting was like something out of a romantic comedy.
According to Country Fancast, they both caught eyes across the crowd and Nicole asked Luke to join her and her friends.
Nicole was working for BMI at the time, with Luke yet to hit the big time.
The award-winning country singer proposed to Nicole in 2018 – in their kitchen.
He told Nashville Lifestyles: “I was like, ‘Hey, I got these collars for the cats. And there was going to be something else on the collar.’ And that’s when I proposed to her.”
However, the couple didn’t make the news public until romantic trip to Hawaii in November that year.
He posted on Instagram: “She said yes a while ago but this is a way better place to take pictures than the kitchen.
“Can’t wait to spend forever with you @nicohocking I Love You! #Mahalo.”
The couple got hitched in a small wedding on August 1, 2020, at their beach home in Southern Florida.
Growing family
On January 20, 2022, the two announced on Instagram they were expecting their first child together.
Their first son, Tex Lawrence Combs, was born on June 19, 2022.
In August 2023, the 34-year-old singer and his wife welcomed their second child, Beau Lee Combs.
Nicole wrote on social media: “Welcome to the world. We couldn’t love you more.”
Musical inspiration
Nicole is the inspiration behind several of her husband’s songs and joins Combs as he tours the United States.
Even before they were official, Luke wrote his hit song, Beautiful Crazy, about Nicole.
Its lyrics read: “Well, it kinda scares me the way that she drives me wild.”
Forever After All and Better Together are also about his relationship with his wife.
On Thursday, September 26, 2024, Luke won Male Artist, Album (Fathers & Sons), and Male Song (Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma) at the People’s Choice Country Awards.
He’s up for Entertainer of the Year, Album, and Male Vocalist at the 2024 Country Music Awards, which takes place on November 20.
Nicole’s background
Nicole is a recruiting coordinator and worked at BMI, Broadcast Music Inc.
Luke has said how touring kept them apart.
He revealed how difficult a long-distance relationship is, saying: “Before she stopped working, that was really hard, because she was working a 40-hour-a-week job.”
Nicole was born in North Carolina on July 21, 1992, but grew up in Florida.
She has worked in the music industry for years and her passion for country music landed her in Nashville, Tennessee.