Why Reba McEntire’s Fiancé Rex Linn Had to Scrap Initial Proposal Plan

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Reba McEntire and Rex Linn almost had a different happy place for their engagement.

Africa holds a special place in the couple’s hearts – Rex even tried to propose to his Happy’s Place co-star during their vacation there last year, but he didn’t find the right moment.

Rex shared with Drew Barrymore on The Drew Barrymore Show on December 11th that he brought the ring with him. He explained that he thought he’d found a private spot, with the help of their African guide, Mumps, and rounded a corner one evening.

The 69-year-old man remembered telling their guide he was planning to propose to the singer, but was still looking for the perfect location.

He explained to Mumps, ‘We were driving back along the road, and I noticed a small pond and a nice meadow on the left. I was considering painting it.’

Unfortunately, as their guide explained, the area was probably not the best choice for a proposal. 

Rex explained that the man simply looked at him and said, ‘That’s actually a path male leopards use to travel at night. Now’s not a good time to be here.’

And that revelation sealed the deal for him to scrap his original plans. 

He laughed and said he immediately stopped his search. He realized, ‘Okay, I’m not going to pursue that any further.’

Rex proposed to his partner, who is 70 years old, on Christmas Eve in 2024. They didn’t publicly announce their engagement until September of this year.

Reba, who was previously married to Charlie Battles from 1976 to 1987 and Narvel Blackstock from 1989 to 2015, shared that she and Rex are excited about their upcoming wedding.

Oh my gosh, she actually said it! In November, she told TopMob News it’s going to be SO much fun! And get this – she described it as a totally untraditional wedding, which, honestly, is PERFECT for her and Rex! She said they’re all about being comfortable, surrounding themselves with their friends, and just… enjoying amazing food. It just sounds like them, you know? I’m already obsessed with the idea!

Rex mentioned that although they’re happy to be getting married, they’re not planning the wedding right away.

Rex told TopMob that they’re currently just savoring being engaged. They haven’t decided on a wedding date and are focusing on enjoying this time, including their daily visits to Happy’s Place.

For a look back at Reba and Rex’s epically heartwarming love story, keep reading.

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

Reba shared on Today in April 2023 that Rex jokingly remembers his part as riding into a saloon on a young horse and yelling, ‘Yeehaw!’

Although they remained friends over the 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 welcomed 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. Rex jokingly decided then and there that “Tater Tot” would be her nickname. Luckily, there’s a photo from that night! Rex posted on Instagram in January 2020 about having a great dinner with the “Oklahoma girl,” adding, “Tater Tots and Ketchup included.” Fans affectionately know them as “Tater Tot” (Reba) and “Sugar Tot” (Rex).

Reba and Rex’s relationship began during the COVID-19 pandemic, which meant they had to date from a distance. Surprisingly, this helped them build a strong connection. In an April 2024 interview with TopMob News, Reba explained that not being able to see each other in person from January to June 16th actually allowed them to become very close through texting and phone calls. She believes they wouldn’t have bonded as deeply if they’d been together constantly. Since finally meeting in June 2020, they’ve been nearly inseparable, and she feels the long-distance period was a wonderful way to truly get to know each other.

I was so thrilled when Reba and Rex finally confirmed they were a couple that fall! Reba shared on her podcast, Living & Learning, how wonderful it was to have someone to really connect with – someone to talk to, laugh with, and share stories about life, family, and our careers. She said Rex really appreciates her music, and she loves what he does, and it’s just amazing to have that mutual support and interest. That month, they even started sharing pictures of their time in Montana, giving us all a little peek into their happiness together. It’s just so heartwarming to see them so happy!

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 a year later. They talked about how they’ve supported each other through difficult times, including the loss of Reba’s mother, Jacqueline McEntire, to cancer in March 2020.

On the October 2021 episode of Living & Learning, Rex shared that he texted Reba after receiving the diagnosis. “I told you about Mom—that we just found out she had bladder cancer,” he said. “And you said, ‘Feel free to call me anytime.’ I stopped texting and we’ve been talking ever since.”

Rex also recalled Reba reaching out after his mother passed away in 1998. “We talked for about 25 minutes, and I never forgot it,” he said. “It was amazing and uplifting. Little did I know that 20 years later, I’d be doing the same thing for her.”

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 announced they would be playing 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 rehearsing and making sure she’s fully prepared, even insisting she knows her lines before every 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 working with them on the 2024 film Happy’s Place also thought they appeared to be enjoying themselves.

Melissa Peterman, known from the show Reba, recently told People magazine that seeing her co-stars together is incredibly sweet. She described how, during breaks in filming at a bar called Happy’s Place, they often look like a couple on a real date, just enjoying each other’s company and being very cute together.

 

Reba believes she and Rex could have a lasting marriage. Speaking to TopMob in April 2024, she explained that after two marriages – first to Charlie Battles and then to Narvel – she’s learned not to rely on marriage as a symbol of commitment. However, she’s fully dedicated to Rex and supports his wishes. Since this would be Rex’s first marriage, she’s happy for him to experience it if he truly wants to.

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.”

 

Reba has said yes to Rex! The couple confirmed their engagement to TopMob News at the 2025 Emmys. TopMob News understands they got engaged a few months prior and are thrilled about their future together.

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2025-12-15 22:47