Reba McEntire Celebrates Engagement to Rex Linn at 70

Reba McEntire has opened up about her engagement to fellow actor Rex Linn, revealing her deep affection for him in a recent interview with People. The couple, who kept their relationship private until now, confirmed their engagement, which took place late last year. McEntire, who is now 70, expressed her joy, stating, “I’ve never been loved by a man like Rex Linn.”

Linn, aged 68, has made a significant impact on McEntire’s life. She described him as a “very tenderhearted man” and noted that their bond has grown even stronger through their work together on the NBC sitcom, Happy’s Place. Reflecting on their collaboration, McEntire shared, “Wherever we go, that is our Happy’s Place. Getting to work with Rex, drive to work with Rex and do the show, the rehearsals, drive home, talk about it, rehearse together — that’s what’s really special for me.”

The couple first crossed paths in 1991 while filming The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw. However, it was not until nearly three decades later that they began their romantic relationship. McEntire has previously been married to Charlie Battles from 1976 to 1987 and Narvel Blackstock from 1989 to 2015. She shares a son, Shelby, born in 1990, with Blackstock.

Their rekindled connection has led to a fruitful partnership on-screen, as they both appeared in the series Big Sky alongside their current project. McEntire elaborated on their dynamic, saying, “Rex and I are best friends. We have the same likes and dislikes. We’re foodies. We love to cook.”

In a cover story with Us Weekly published in October 2024, McEntire described how Linn has positively influenced her life. “Rex brings out the little girl in me, and I have fun. I’m dorky, I’m goofy. He is too. We love to laugh, and we love each other,” she stated. She also mentioned their shared love for watching television, adding that Linn considers it “homework” while she enjoys it for leisure.

The couple subtly confirmed their engagement while attending the Emmys in September 2023, with McEntire stating, “I’m happier now than I’ve ever been in my life.” She expressed her enthusiasm for her current work on the NBC sitcom, saying, “It’s amazing. It’s wonderful being 70 and getting to do what I get to do at the level I want to do it.”

McEntire also spoke about her ongoing career and future plans, addressing the topic of retirement. “I don’t know when. It could be in 20 years,” she noted. She recalled conversations with fellow artist Dolly Parton, who expressed similar sentiments about continuing to work in the industry. McEntire concluded, “I love this chapter in my life. I’m very grateful.”