7 Shocking New Details About Reba McEntire’s Engagement To Rex Linn: The Black Diamond Ring & Secret Proposal

Country music icon Reba McEntire is officially engaged to longtime partner, actor Rex Linn, confirming the exciting news on the red carpet at the 2025 Emmy Awards. This announcement, which came after five years of dating, has thrilled fans of the legendary singer, marking a new chapter in her storied personal life. The relationship between McEntire and Linn, which blossomed from a decades-long friendship, has been a source of joy for the star following her 2015 divorce, and the recent engagement details reveal a heartfelt, private proposal that flew under the radar for months.

As of late December 2025, the couple is happily planning their future, with McEntire, who recently celebrated her 70th birthday, sharing candid details about her unique engagement ring and why she believes "God saved the best for last." The news has sparked fresh curiosity about her fiancé, Rex Linn, a familiar face in Hollywood, and the full timeline of their beautiful, late-in-life romance.

Fiancé Profile: Who Is Rex Linn? (Biography & Key Roles)

Rex Linn is more than just Reba McEntire's fiancé; he is a seasoned American actor with a prolific career in film and television. His relationship with Reba began as a friendship that spanned nearly 30 years before turning romantic in 2020.

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• Full Name: Rex Maynard Linn
• Date of Birth: November 13, 1956
• Age: 69 (as of late 2025)
• Place of Birth: Spearman, Texas, USA
• Education: Graduated from Oklahoma State University.
• Pre-Acting Career: Before his Hollywood breakthrough, Linn worked as a loan officer and bank manager for two banks in Oklahoma City.
• Breakthrough Role: He gained widespread recognition for his long-running role as Detective Sergeant Frank Tripp on the CBS drama CSI: Miami, appearing in over 180 episodes.
• Notable TV Roles: Beyond CSI: Miami, he is known for playing Kevin Wachtell on the critically acclaimed series Better Call Saul and for his recurring role on the sitcom Young Sheldon.
• Current Project with Reba: He co-stars with Reba McEntire in her new NBC sitcom, Happy's Place, which is set to premiere soon, bringing their professional and personal lives together.

Linn's transition from a bank manager in Oklahoma to a successful character actor in Hollywood is a testament to his dedication, a trait that Reba herself has praised, noting their shared Oklahoma roots and work ethic as key components of their compatibility.

The Proposal: A Christmas Eve Secret and a Unique Black Diamond Ring

The engagement news, which was subtly confirmed by Reba flashing a stunning ring at the 2025 Emmy Awards, was the culmination of a deeply personal and private moment. The proposal actually occurred months earlier, on Christmas Eve 2024.

Reba revealed that the proposal was a complete surprise and happened during a quiet, intimate moment between the couple. The fact that the country superstar, who is constantly in the public eye, managed to keep such a significant life event a secret for so long speaks to the private nature of their bond.

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The Distinctive Black Diamond Band

The ring itself is a departure from traditional celebrity engagement jewelry, perfectly reflecting the couple's unique style. Instead of a large, traditional white diamond solitaire, Reba wears a striking black diamond banded ring.

Reba has openly shared her love for the ring, which features a prominent black diamond at its center, surrounded by smaller, sparkling diamonds on a band. She mentioned that the black diamond was a deliberate choice, reflecting her non-traditional approach to life and love. The ring has been described as subtle yet sophisticated, fitting for a woman who has always marched to the beat of her own drum.

The engagement at age 70 has been a moment of reflection for Reba, who stated she feels incredibly blessed. “God saved the best for last,” she has been quoted as saying, highlighting the deep emotional connection and happiness she has found with Rex Linn.

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Reba McEntire’s Relationship History: A Look Back at Her Two Marriages

Reba McEntire's journey to finding love with Rex Linn has been a long one, including two high-profile marriages that shaped her personal and professional life. Understanding her past relationships provides crucial context for the joy of her current engagement.

1. Charlie Battles (1976–1987)

Reba's first marriage was to steer-wrestling champion Charlie Battles. They married in 1976 when Reba was just 21 and still a rising star in the country music world. Battles, who was 10 years her senior, was instrumental in the early stages of her career, but the marriage ultimately ended in divorce in 1987 after 11 years together. Reba has since described that period as a time of significant growth, both personally and professionally, as she navigated the demands of her burgeoning career.

2. Narvel Blackstock (1989–2015)

Her second marriage was to her manager, Narvel Blackstock, in 1989. This relationship was a major force in her life, as Narvel not only managed her career but also became the father of her only son, Shelby Blackstock. The couple's professional partnership was incredibly successful, but their marriage came to a surprising end when they divorced in 2015 after 26 years. The split was a difficult period for McEntire, who has spoken candidly about the emotional toll of the divorce and the process of rebuilding her life and career management structure afterward.

The Brief Romance with Anthony "Skeeter" Lasuzzo

Following her divorce from Blackstock, Reba dated retired oil geologist Anthony "Skeeter" Lasuzzo from 2017 to 2019. While the relationship was serious and brought her happiness, they eventually parted ways due to the difficulties of a long-distance relationship, paving the way for her eventual romance with Rex Linn.

The Rex Linn Romance: From Friendship to Forever

Reba and Rex Linn first crossed paths in 1991 while filming the movie The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw, starring Kenny Rogers. They maintained a close friendship for nearly three decades, often checking in on each other over the years.

Their romantic relationship officially started in early 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. The lockdown, which forced them to communicate primarily through daily phone calls and video chats, ironically deepened their connection. Reba has affectionately referred to their calls as "Pioneer Woman" chats, where they would share details of their daily lives and cooking.

The couple made their relationship public in late 2020 and have since become a fixture at Hollywood and country music events. Their chemistry is undeniable, often seen on red carpets and in their playful social media interactions. The fact that they now co-star in the NBC sitcom Happy's Place is a full-circle moment, cementing their bond both personally and professionally.

The engagement is a beautiful testament to finding enduring love at any stage of life. With a wedding potentially on the horizon, Reba McEntire and Rex Linn’s story is a heartwarming reminder that the best relationships often start with a strong foundation of friendship.