Country music icon Reba McEntire has always possessed a unique ability to connect with her fans, sharing the highs and lows of her journey with an authenticity that has endeared her to millions. From her remarkable career milestones to the intimate details of her personal life, Reba’s openness fosters a powerful bond, making every piece of news feel like a shared moment. Now, as she stands at a vibrant 70 years of age, celebrating professional triumphs and profound personal joy, her legions of devoted fans are understandably emotional as she candidly opens up about her enduring love story with her partner, CSI: Miami actor Rex Linn.
It is a tale that commenced decades ago, a slow – burning romance that blossomed into a deep, unwavering connection. Reba and Rex first crossed paths way back in 1991, on the set of the western drama The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw. While their professional paths occasionally intersected again, notably on Big Sky, it was not until 2020 that their friendship took a profound romantic turn. What makes their blossoming love even more unique is how it solidified during the unprecedented times of the pandemic, a period when physical proximity was restricted.
Reba enthusiastically expressed that they forged an intimacy through texting and talking over the telephone, an intimacy they would not have achieved if they had been together all that time. It was a highly special way to discover each other, learning about their pasts, families, and careers without ever touching. Their bond became so strong, so inseparable, that Reba notes they have been virtually inseparable ever since June 16, 2020, even making their red – carpet debut at the Country Music Awards in November 2020. This foundation, built on deep conversation and genuine connection, has laid the groundwork for the extraordinary relationship they share today.
What truly renders Reba and Rex’s relationship a perfect union, as Reba herself articulates, is the remarkable alignment of their personalities and interests. They are, at heart, close friends who share identical likes and dislikes. Reba discloses, “We are food enthusiasts. We delight in cooking.” While Reba is of the spontaneous type, inquiring, “What is in the refrigerator?” and simply piling everything together, Rex is the meticulous chef, the kind who will find a recipe and cook for three days. It is a delightful balance that eloquently demonstrates their complementary natures.
Beyond their shared passion for culinary explorations, they also derive joy from simpler pleasures. They love to watch sports together on television and enjoy spending time in their garden, feeding the birds and tending to their roses. Reba elegantly summarizes their bond, stating, “We simply love to be together.” This shared appreciation for everyday moments, coupled with profound mutual respect, creates a domestic life filled with peace and contentment.
Their connection runs even deeper through a mutual love for the “cowboy way of life,” a sentiment that anchors them both in their shared heritage. Reba, who became a cowgirl on her family ranch at the age of five before achieving country music stardom, finds common ground with Rex in this lifestyle. She affectionately expressed, “Well, Rex and I get along well in every aspect.” She emphasizes their shared affection for Longhorns and the cowboy and cowgirl way of life, acknowledging how these elements sustain and strengthen their bond.
Reba often speaks about how Rex brings out the best in her, describing how he “brings out the childlike side in me and I have a great time.” She affectionately refers to herself as “silly” and “absurd” when she is with him, revealing a playful side that her fans cherish. Rex, she adds, is also silly and absurd, and together, “We love to laugh, and we love each other.” Their dynamic is one of genuine joy and light – heartedness, a testament to how they enhance each other, as Reba affectionately puts it.
Their seamless integration of personal and professional lives is another captivating aspect of their relationship. Reba and Rex are scheduled to co – star in the forthcoming NBC sitcom aptly named Happy’s Place, in which Reba portrays Bobbie, who inherits her father’s tavern, and Rex assumes the role of Emmett, a short – order cook. Reba has expressed her perspective on their distinctive collaboration, telling Us Weekly, “It is extremely gratifying. We are profoundly thankful. [I have the opportunity to work] with Rex Linn, my boyfriend.” This is not their first professional collaboration either, as they have also shared screen time on the set of Big Sky.
Reba acknowledges that blending work and pleasure could be a precarious path for some, but she has successfully navigated it, relishing her time with Rex both on and off the set. She enthusiastically describes her Happy’s Place cast as an eccentric ensemble that presents a wide array of diverse personalities and humor. “We are all so distinct. It is an eclectic group, and it is so much fun to bring everyone together. We learn from one another and we draw inspiration from one another. They are excellent actors, and we simply had the best time. We cannot wait to return and commence working on season 2,” she shared, emphasizing the positive ambiance their joint work generates.
While their love story appears to be flawless, Reba candidly reveals that it is not always smooth going, admitting, “We do have arguments now. We argue frequently, but we also have fun doing so.” This honest confession only renders their bond more relatable and authentic to fans, demonstrating that even in a “perfect union,” healthy disagreements are an integral part of the journey. Their capacity to find amusement even in arguments showcases a mature and resilient partnership.
The question that frequently emerges among fans and the media alike is whether wedding bells will ever ring for Reba and Rex. Reba has been divorced twice: first, she was married to Charlie Battles from 1976 to 1987, and then to Narvel Blackstock from 1989 to 2015. These past experiences have clearly shaped her perspective on marriage. After her second marriage dissolved, she confessed, “I don’t have much faith in being bound by a piece of paper or a ring.”
Despite Rex Linn’s repeated marriage proposals, Reba has consistently expressed her satisfaction with their current status. She told Us Weekly, “I’m content with the way we are. If Rex ever wishes to get married, then we’ll discuss it, but I’m fine. I love our relationship whole – heartedly.” Insiders suggest that Rex, who has never been married, believes that getting married would be the perfect conclusion to their love story. A close friend of Linn’s noted, “He believes he and Reba are destined for each other, and getting married would add a beautiful finishing touch to their love story.”
However, sources close to Reba have provided insights into her hesitation. An insider disclosed her reason for rejecting his proposal, saying, “Reba is satisfied with things as they are and she fears that if they marry, it will alter their dynamic to the extent that it backfires and she will be a three – time loser in love.” Her previous marriage to Narvel Blackstock, which lasted 26 years, left her heartbroken. “Reba thought she and Narvel would be together forever, and it devastated her that he left her. That’s a major reason why she’s hesitant about marrying Rex – she’s learned from the previous pain she’s endured that nothing lasts forever,” a source added.
Rex’s friend acknowledges that he “operates from a position where he cannot fully empathize with what Reba endured emotionally in her first two marriages.” There are concerns that if he persists in promoting the idea, Reba will withdraw, and that will mark the end of their relationship. Yet, Reba has offered a ray of hope for fans eager for a wedding, sweetly admitting, “You never know. Absolutely, I hope so one day.” This subtle openness leaves room for future possibilities, reminding fans that love stories, like life, are constantly evolving.
Reba’s newfound strength, kindled by her relationship with Rex, permeates all aspects of her life. She eloquently articulated this transformation, stating, “Once you are confident in your love life and your home life, you can then go out and conquer the world.” This sentiment resonates strongly as she continues to dominate the entertainment industry with an energy that defies age.
Indeed, Reba McEntire is experiencing a professional renaissance that mirrors her personal satisfaction. At an age when many consider slowing down, Reba is still accelerating. She recently hosted the Academy of Country Music Awards for an impressive 18th time. Her upcoming projects include the preproduction of a film adaptation of The All – Girl Filling Station’s Last Reunion, based on a novel by Fannie Flagg, in which she plans to star. Additionally, she is returning as a coach for season 28 of The Voice this fall, much to the delight of her fans.
Adding to her illustrious discography, she released the single “Trailblazer” with Lainey Wilson and Miranda Lambert on May 9. Reba expressed her profound admiration for the song, noting, “I remember listening to it in the dressing room. I couldn’t find a single flaw in it, not a single word. It was that outstanding. I was very emotional when I heard it.” These accomplishments, along with her iconic status as “the Queen of Country,” are a testament to her enduring talent and drive.
Her remarkable journey, characterized by steady growth rather than sudden leaps, has always been attributed to her devoted fans. “I thank God for the fans,” she told Variety, adding, “They are the people who travel and spend their hard – earned money to buy tickets and albums. They are faithful… If you don’t have the fans, you might as well be singing in the shower, because they are the ones who put food on our tables.” This mutual admiration is evident in how she often communicates personal news directly to them, as she did when celebrating her fifth anniversary with Rex.
In January, Reba shared a heartwarming message with her followers: “Celebrating five years of tater tots this week!” This charming reference to their playful nicknames—Rex calls Reba “Tater Tot,” while she calls him “Sugar Tot”—highlights the lightness and joy that define their relationship. It is these intimate details that make their love story so captivating and relatable to her audience.
The fans’ emotional connection was further demonstrated during Reba’s 70th birthday celebration in March. At a concert stop in Connecticut, her family orchestrated a touching surprise. Her son, Shelby Blackstock, and his wife Marissa, helped organize the moment, telling Reba they wouldn’t be able to attend. The crowd joined in a lively singalong and a card stunt spelling out “Happy Birthday,” but the true highlight was seeing Reba’s reaction when Rex pushed out her birthday cake on stage. She quickly embraced him, exclaiming, “Thank you all very much. To be here with you all, my friends, and the people I am so blessed to work with. Oh, and Rex Linn, I just love you with all my heart.”
Read more about: Nickelodeon’s Enduring Legacy: A Comprehensive Analysis of Its Strategic Evolution and Cultural Impact on American Households
Later, backstage, the surprise persisted as Reba finally noticed Shelby and Marissa, who had been concealing themselves in the crowd. Her reaction was absolutely invaluable, reducing her to tears and touching the hearts of the fans who witnessed the moment. Comments poured in, with one person writing, “Awww, her reaction to you guys made me cry ❤️,” and another exclaiming, “Why did her crying make me cry?! What a delightful surprise!!” These sincere expressions of love and surprise underscore the profound family bonds that Reba cherishes, further proving that her “home life” truly empowers her to “conquer the world.”
Reba also shared a rare family outing at Variety’s inaugural “Power of Women: Nashville” issue gala in late April. Walking the red carpet, she surprised photographers by bringing along Rex, her son Shelby, and his wife Marissa. The quartet seemed thrilled to be together, and when Reba posted highlights from the event, including the family photo opportunity, fans couldn’t get enough of her rare personal update. Comments such as “What a charming picture of your son/family 💞,” “So beautiful!! ❤️,” and “Stunning people, you all are amazing 🔥🙌❤️” flooded her Instagram, demonstrating how much her fans appreciate these glimpses into her private life.
In a world often filled with transient headlines, Reba McEntire and Rex Linn’s story stands as a beacon of enduring affection, a testament to discovering profound happiness later in life. Their bond, forged in friendship and strengthened through shared interests and an undeniable chemistry, continues to inspire. As Reba navigates her most triumphant chapter yet, surrounded by love and unwavering support, her journey reminds us that the truest love stories are not about perfection, but about embracing life’s beautiful complexities, finding joy in every shared moment, and knowing that, with the right partner, every day is a reason to smile. So, let us all raise a collective cheer for Reba and Rex, two souls whose connection illuminates the power of love, laughter, and a shared “cowboy way of life,” proving that indeed, everything happens for a reason, and some unions are simply destined to be.
