Reba McEntire Clarifies Rex Linn Romance Status After “Husband” Slip

by

Reba McEntire’s romantic roots aren’t officially planted yet. 

Reba McEntire, known for her hit song “I’m A Survivor,” corrected Savannah Guthrie after the Today show host mistakenly called her fiancé, Rex Linn, her “husband.”

Reba, age 70, clarified on a recent morning show appearance that she and her partner are simply engaged, after a misunderstanding caused some excitement. She joked that her family would be surprised, asking why she hadn’t told them yet.

Savannah, 53, quickly apologized for a mistake and then asked the couple – who got engaged in September after dating for five years – how they’ve adjusted to working together on their NBC show. This is especially relevant because their characters, Reba and Rex, are also a couple on the sitcom.

One of The Voice judges described working with their colleague as fantastic. They explained that he’s a dedicated worker who loves to rehearse, while they personally prefer to skip excessive practice. He helps ensure they’re fully prepared for filming days by making sure they know their lines. They both feel lucky to work and travel home together.

Reba and Rex didn’t first meet while filming their current show. They actually worked together earlier, appearing in a 1991 western movie starring Kenny Rogers called The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw. Later, they shared the screen again on Young Sheldon in 2020, just before publicly confirming their relationship that summer.

Over the years, Rex observed that they had built a strong connection and consistently supported each other, in both their personal lives and at work.

He told TopMob News in November that the cast enjoys spending time together. He explained that their close off-screen relationship makes their on-screen scenes more natural and comfortable, ultimately improving their performances.

Regarding their wedding plans, the actor known from Rush Hour said they haven’t decided on a date yet, as they want to savor their engagement. However, when the time does come, Reba – who has a son named Shelby, 35, and five stepchildren with her former husband, Narvel Blackstock – doesn’t plan to have a typical wedding with a traditional aisle.

“We’re going to have a really fun wedding,” Reba shared. “It won’t be a typical one, because Rex and I are pretty laid-back. We just want to be comfortable, surrounded by our friends, and enjoy some good food.”

Keep reading for a closer look into Reba and Rex’s romance…

Reba McEntire and Rex Linn first met in 1991 while filming a movie with Kenny Rogers, called The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw. Reba had a leading role, and Rex made a brief appearance.

Reba recently shared on Today that Rex jokes about his part being a quick scene: riding into a saloon on a young horse and yelling ‘Yeehaw!’

Although they stayed friends for years, Reba was married to Narvel Blackstock at the time. She became a stepmother to his children, Shawna, Chassidy, and Brandon, after their marriage in 1989, and they later had a son, Shelby, in 1990. It wasn’t until many years later that Reba and Rex began a romantic relationship.

Reba and Rex Linn reconnected four years after Reba’s divorce in late 2015 while working on the show Young Sheldon – she as a guest star, and he in a recurring role. Reba shared on The Jennifer Hudson Show in July 2025 that Rex reached out to see if she was in town, and they agreed to have dinner. After dining with friends, they went to a wine bar where Reba ordered tater tots, prompting Rex to playfully nickname her “Tater Tot” – and himself “Sugar Tot.” A photo from that memorable night exists for fans of the adorable couple. Rex posted on Instagram in January 2020, sharing a picture and writing, “Had a fantastic dinner with this Oklahoma girl. Tater Tots and Ketchup included.”

Reba and Rex’s relationship began during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing them to date from a distance. Surprisingly, this allowed them to build a strong connection. As Reba told TopMob News in April 2024, not being able to see each other in person from January to mid-June actually helped them grow closer. They spent that time getting to know each other deeply through texts and phone calls – a level of intimacy they might not have achieved if they’d been together constantly. Since June 16, 2020, they’ve been virtually inseparable, and Reba believes this unique start allowed them to truly understand each other.

Oh my gosh, when Reba and Rex finally confirmed they were together that fall, I nearly lost it! She talked about it on her podcast, Living & Learning, and it was just the sweetest thing. She said it was amazing to finally have someone to really talk to – about everything! Like, really dig into stuff, share stories about their families, and just laugh. And can you believe he loves her music?! She’s so supportive of his acting too. She said he finds her interesting, funny, and smart, and she feels the same way about him! It’s just…perfect. Then, that same month, they started sharing pictures from Montana – little glimpses into their life together, and honestly, it made my whole week every time they posted something new. I’m seriously obsessed with them as a couple!

Shortly after, the singer behind “I’m a Survivor” and the actor from CSI: Miami first appeared together as a couple on the red carpet at the 2020 CMA Awards, which she was hosting.

Fans learned more about Reba and Rex’s relationship when Rex appeared on her podcast the following year. They talked about supporting each other through difficult times, including Reba’s mother, Jacqueline McEntire, losing her battle with cancer in March 2020.

On the October 2021 episode of Living & Learning, Rex shared that he texted Reba when he first learned about his mother’s bladder cancer. He said she immediately offered to be there for him, and they’ve been talking regularly ever since. He appreciated that she simply said, “Feel free to call me anytime you need to talk.”

Rex also recalled how Reba had reached out to him after his mother passed away in 1998. They spoke for about 25 minutes, a gesture he said he’d never forgotten. He added that it was special and uplifting, and he never imagined he’d be returning the support to her over 20 years later.

The couple had a fancy night out at the 2022 Oscars, where Reba performed “Somehow You Do.” 

In August 2022, Reba McEntire and Rex Linn revealed they would be acting as a married couple – Sunny and Buck Barnes – on the TV show Big Sky.

Reba shared in 2022 that she and her husband enjoy working together. She explained that he’s very dedicated to rehearsals and always makes sure she’s fully prepared with her lines before any performance.

Reba celebrated Rex’s birthday with a sweet tribute.

“Happy birthday to the love of my life!” she wrote on Instagram in November 2022. “So glad we get to celebrate together!”

 
 

The pair continued on their journey as both costars in life and work by acting in The Hammer.

Those who worked with them on the 2024 film Happy’s Place also noted they appeared to be enjoying themselves.

Melissa Peterman, known for her role on Reba, described a sweet scene she often witnesses. She told People magazine in October 2024 that during breaks in filming—whether for five minutes or during meals—she’ll see two cast members sharing a booth at the bar set, which is located at a place called Happy’s. It looks just like a real, adorable date, with the pair happily sitting together.

 

Reba believes she and Rex could have a lasting marriage. Speaking to TopMob in April 2024, she said that while she’s been married twice before – once to Charlie Battles and later to Narvel – and is now skeptical of marriage itself, she’s fully committed to Rex. She’s happy to support him if he wants to experience marriage, as he’s never been married before, and feels strongly about it.

Five years after their first dinner, Reba and Rex recreated the photo from that date.

“Celebrating five years of tater tots this week!” she wrote on Instagram, “#thetots #anniversary.”

 

Country star Reba has confirmed her engagement to Rex at the 2025 Emmys! According to TopMob News, the happy couple got engaged a few months prior and are thrilled to be starting this new chapter together.

Read More

2025-12-02 00:17