5 Reasons Reba McEntire Is Happier Than Ever: The Truth About Her Marriage Status In 2025

As of today, December 15, 2025, Reba McEntire is not currently married, but she is happily engaged to her longtime partner, actor Rex Linn. The Queen of Country has been very open about her relationship with Linn, a romance that blossomed from a decades-long friendship into a public engagement announced with a surprise reveal at the 2025 Emmy Awards. This news confirms a new, joyful chapter for the superstar, who has been married twice before, and it has fans eagerly awaiting any sign of a wedding date. The question "Is Reba married?" has been a constant topic of speculation since her last divorce, but the answer is a firm "not yet." The couple, who began dating in 2020, are currently enjoying their engagement without any rush to set a date, with Reba stating she is "happier now than I've ever been in my life." Their relationship is a beacon of hope for finding love later in life, proving that a decades-long friendship can indeed turn into a lasting, passionate romance.

Reba McEntire: A Comprehensive Biography and Career Profile

Reba Nell McEntire is one of the most successful and enduring figures in country music history, often referred to as the "Queen of Country." Her career spans over five decades, encompassing music, television, and film.

• Full Name: Reba Nell McEntire
• Date of Birth: March 28, 1955
• Place of Birth: McAlester, Oklahoma, U.S.
• Hometown/Upbringing: Chockie, Oklahoma (grew up on an 8,000-acre cattle ranch)
• Parents: Clark Vincent McEntire (World Champion steer roper) and Jacqueline Smith (aspiring country singer)
• Siblings: Pake McEntire, Susie Luchsinger, and Alice McEntire
• Children: One son, Shelby Blackstock (from her second marriage)
• Career Highlights: Over 75 million records sold worldwide, 25 studio albums, 29 number-one singles, 3 Grammy Awards, 16 ACM Awards, and a successful acting career including the long-running sitcom *Reba* (2001–2007). She is also a current coach on NBC's *The Voice*.
• Education: Graduated from Southeastern Oklahoma State University.

The Third Time's the Charm: Engagement to Rex Linn

The biggest news surrounding Reba McEntire's relationship status in 2025 is her engagement to actor Rex Linn. This pairing has captured the hearts of fans because of their undeniable chemistry and the sweet, organic way their relationship developed.

The Surprise Engagement Reveal at the 2025 Emmys

The public learned of the engagement in a surprising, yet low-key, manner. While walking the red carpet at the 2025 Emmy Awards, an E! News reporter referred to the couple as "fiancés." Reba and Rex Linn then confirmed the news, revealing that Rex had actually proposed back in December 2024. The announcement was a joyful moment, ending months of quiet speculation among their inner circle.

Who is Rex Linn? Reba's Fiancé and Co-Star

Rex Maynard Linn is a well-known American actor, born November 13, 1956, in Spearman, Texas. Before his acting career took off, he worked as a loan officer for banks in Oklahoma City. He is perhaps most famous for his role as Detective Frank Tripp on the long-running CBS drama *CSI: Miami*. Linn and McEntire's love story is a truly modern one rooted in history. They first met in the early 1990s while filming the movie *The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw*. They reconnected decades later in 2020 after appearing together on the set of the television series *Young Sheldon*. The couple’s professional lives have intertwined even further, as they now co-star in the new NBC sitcom *Happy's Place*, further cementing their status as a Hollywood power couple. Their mutual respect and shared sense of humor are often cited as the foundation of their strong bond.

No Rush to the Altar: Wedding Plans and Priorities

Despite the public excitement, Reba has clarified that she and Rex are taking their time. They are happily engaged but have not set a wedding date. McEntire has stated that she is not rushing to marry Rex Linn, focusing instead on enjoying their current happiness and their busy professional schedules, including her coaching role on *The Voice* and her new sitcom. Their mature approach to their relationship, valuing companionship and peace over a quick trip down the aisle, is a testament to their deep connection.

A Look Back: Reba McEntire's Two Previous Marriages

To fully understand Reba's current contentment, it is essential to look at the context of her two previous, long-term marriages, which provide a foundation of topical authority for her personal life story.

First Husband: Charlie Battles (1976–1987)

Reba’s first marriage was to steer wrestler and rancher Charlie Battles. They married in 1976, early in her career. Battles was 10 years her senior and already had two children. The marriage lasted for 11 years, but the demands of Reba’s rapidly ascending country music career ultimately put a strain on the relationship. The divorce was finalized in 1987. Reba later admitted that she "chose my career over my marriage," as Battles had requested she slow down her professional life, which she was unwilling to do.

Second Husband: Narvel Blackstock (1989–2015)

Just two years after her first divorce, Reba married her manager and former steel guitar player, Narvel Blackstock, in 1989. This was her longest marriage, lasting 26 years, and together they have one son, Shelby Blackstock, who is a professional race car driver. Narvel also has three children from a previous marriage, including Brandon Blackstock, who was formerly married to Kelly Clarkson. The divorce in 2015 came as a shock to fans and, according to Reba, was not her idea. She has spoken about the difficulty of the split, which marked a major turning point in her personal and professional life, as she also parted ways with Blackstock as her manager. This period of transition ultimately led her to a place of personal growth and, eventually, to her current happy relationship with Rex Linn.

Why Reba and Rex Linn's Love Story Resonates with Fans

The public interest in Reba McEntire and Rex Linn’s engagement transcends typical celebrity gossip. Their relationship is a powerful example of several life lessons:

1. The Power of Friendship: Their romance grew from a long-standing, platonic friendship, suggesting a deep-rooted understanding and mutual respect that many people seek in a life partner.
2. Finding Love After Loss: Both Reba and Rex were single later in life, proving that a second or third chapter of great love is entirely possible, regardless of past heartbreaks or divorces.
3. A Mature, Unrushed Commitment: By not rushing into a wedding, they are prioritizing the quality of their relationship and enjoying their engagement, a refreshing change from the high-pressure, fast-paced celebrity world.
4. Professional Support: Their collaboration on *Happy's Place* shows they can successfully blend their personal and professional lives, a dynamic Reba previously experienced with Narvel Blackstock, but now on her own terms.
5. Shared Humor and Joy: The couple frequently posts funny, loving updates on social media, showcasing a genuine, lighthearted connection that makes them incredibly relatable and endearing to their fan base.

In conclusion, while Reba McEntire is not married today, December 15, 2025, she is engaged to Rex Linn, marking a truly exciting and joyful phase in her life. Fans are celebrating her happiness and the promise of a third, perhaps final, walk down the aisle, whenever the two decide the time is right.