5 Shocking Details About Reba McEntire’s Marital Status And Her Secretive 2025 Engagement

As of December 2025, country music legend and actress Reba McEntire is NOT married. This is the definitive, up-to-the-minute answer to the question that continues to dominate searches across the internet. However, while she has not yet walked down the aisle for a third time, the iconic singer is happily and securely engaged to her long-time partner, actor Rex Linn. The couple, affectionately known as "Tater Tot" and "Sugar Tot," have been enjoying their engagement, a new chapter they officially confirmed in a surprising public reveal that sent fans into a frenzy.

The news of their engagement, which actually took place in late 2024, but was publicly announced in 2025, has sparked renewed interest in Reba’s personal life, her two previous high-profile marriages, and the man who finally convinced the two-time divorcee to say "yes" again. The star has been candid about finding love later in life and her plans for a "nontraditional" wedding, making her current relationship one of the most talked-about stories in country music.

Reba McEntire: A Quick Biography and Relationship History

Reba Nell McEntire is one of the most successful and enduring figures in American entertainment, with a career spanning over five decades in country music, film, and television. Born on March 28, 1955, in McAlester, Oklahoma, her journey from a ranch girl singing at rodeos to a Country Music Hall of Famer is the stuff of legend. Her personal life, marked by two significant marriages and divorces, has been just as public as her professional achievements.

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• Full Name: Reba Nell McEntire
• Date of Birth: March 28, 1955
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 70
• Place of Birth: McAlester, Oklahoma, U.S.
• Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Producer, The Voice Coach
• Known For: Albums like My Kind of Country, hits like "Fancy," and starring in the sitcom Reba.
• First Marriage: Charlie Battles (1976–1987)
• Second Marriage: Narvel Blackstock (1989–2015)
• Current Status: Engaged to Rex Linn (since December 2024)
• Children: Shelby Steven McEntire Blackstock (son, born 1990)

The First Chapter: Charlie Battles (1976–1987)

Reba’s first marriage was to steer wrestling champion and rancher, Charlie Battles. They married in 1976 when Reba was just 21 and Charlie was 10 years her senior. Charlie was instrumental in the early stages of her career, but the marriage eventually succumbed to the pressures of Reba’s rising fame. She famously admitted that she chose her career over the marriage, leading to their divorce in 1987.

The Second Chapter: Narvel Blackstock (1989–2015)

Two years after her first divorce, Reba married her manager and steel guitarist, Narvel Blackstock, in 1989. This was her longest marriage, lasting 26 years, and the professional partnership was just as fruitful as the personal one. They welcomed their only child, son Shelby Steven McEntire Blackstock, a professional race car driver, in 1990. Reba also became a loving stepmother to Narvel's three children from a previous marriage, including Brandon Blackstock, who later married singer Kelly Clarkson. The couple’s unexpected divorce in 2015 left Reba feeling "scared to death," as her husband was also her long-time manager, intertwining her personal and business life completely.

The Definitive Status: Engaged, Not Married (Yet)

The confusion surrounding Reba McEntire’s marital status in 2025 is understandable, given the dramatic nature of their public announcement. The truth is, Reba is currently enjoying a long, celebratory engagement to actor Rex Linn, and they are in no rush to set a wedding date.

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The relationship, which began in 2020 after the two reconnected following their initial meeting in 1991, has been a beacon of joy for the country star. Rex Linn, an accomplished actor best known for his role as Sgt. Frank Tripp on the hit CBS drama *CSI: Miami*, is a fellow Oklahoman, which has created an instant, deep connection between the two.

The Surprise Proposal and The 2025 Emmy Announcement

The proposal itself was a quiet, intimate affair. Rex Linn popped the question on Christmas Eve 2024. However, the couple kept the news private for nearly a year, only revealing their new relationship status to the world at the 2025 Emmy Awards in September. This unexpected, red-carpet confirmation sent shockwaves through the entertainment world, confirming Reba’s happiness and the serious nature of their five-year relationship.

What We Know About Reba and Rex Linn's Wedding Plans

For a star of Reba McEntire's magnitude, one might expect a lavish, televised spectacle for her third trip down the aisle. However, the couple has made it clear that their wedding will be anything but traditional. After two high-profile marriages, Reba has admitted to losing faith in the institution of marriage, which informs their relaxed approach to planning.

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1. It Will Be "Nontraditional" and "Low-Key"

Reba has openly discussed her vision for a wedding that is "very different" from what fans might expect. She has stated that a "Reba/Rex wedding is going to be very different" and "low-key." This likely means a small, private ceremony, focusing on their bond rather than a massive celebrity event. The couple is prioritizing enjoying their engagement period, a sentiment Rex Linn has echoed, stating they are "enjoying every moment" before diving into wedding planning.

2. The "Sugar Tot" and "Tater Tot" Connection

The couple's affectionate nicknames, "Sugar Tot" (Rex) and "Tater Tot" (Reba), have become a delightful entity in their public relationship. Their bond is built on mutual respect, humor, and a shared Oklahoma background. Reba has often credited Rex for bringing immense joy and stability into her life, stating she feels "happier now than I've ever been in my life." This foundation suggests their wedding will be a pure celebration of their deep connection.

3. No Rush to Set a Date

Despite the public announcement, there is no official wedding date set. Reba has been clear that she is not rushing to marry Rex Linn, preferring to savor the engagement phase. This relaxed timeline is a testament to their mature, unpressured relationship. As a judge on *The Voice* and with a busy touring schedule, Reba's professional commitments, including promoting new music like her song "Trailblazer," also play a role in their patient approach to wedding planning.

The Topical Authority: Reba's Enduring Legacy

Reba McEntire's relationship status, whether married, divorced, or engaged, is always a major topic because her life mirrors the themes in her music: resilience, heartbreak, and finding strength. Her two previous divorces, particularly the split from Narvel Blackstock, who was also her business partner, taught her valuable lessons about balancing love and career. Her engagement to Rex Linn, a partner who respects her space and career while sharing a similar down-to-earth background, signifies a new, healthier chapter.

The continued interest in her love life, especially as she navigates her 70s, speaks to her enduring status as a cultural icon. From her classic 80s and 90s albums to her current role on television, Reba McEntire remains a powerhouse. Her decision to take things slow with Rex Linn and plan a "nontraditional" wedding is just another example of her taking control of her narrative and living life on her own terms, proving that true love can be found—and celebrated—at any age.