The Truth About Reba McEntire And Rex Linn: Are They Married Yet? (Updated December 2025)

The burning question for country music fans and Hollywood insiders alike has a definitive, current answer as of December 2025: Reba McEntire and her long-time love, actor Rex Linn, are not yet married, but they are happily and officially engaged. The legendary couple, known affectionately to their fans and each other as "The Tots," have confirmed they are taking their time with wedding planning, with the country superstar revealing that their future nuptials will be "very different" and nontraditional. This highly anticipated union is the culmination of a decades-long friendship that blossomed into a deep, loving relationship.

The relationship between the country music icon and the veteran character actor is one of Hollywood's most heartwarming late-in-life romances. After reconnecting and starting to date in 2020, the couple took the next major step in their relationship when Rex Linn proposed to Reba McEntire on Christmas Eve of 2024. The engagement news was kept private for months before they made a splashy public announcement in September 2025 on the red carpet at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards, sparking a fresh wave of excitement about their future.

Reba McEntire and Rex Linn: Complete Biography and Profile

Before diving into the details of their engagement and impending wedding, it is essential to understand the impressive careers of both halves of "The Tots." Both Reba and Rex are titans in their respective fields, with decades of work in music, film, and television.

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Reba McEntire (The "Tater Tot")

• Full Name: Reba Nell McEntire
• Born: March 28, 1955 (age 70 as of December 2025)
• Birthplace: McAlester, Oklahoma, U.S.
• Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Entrepreneur
• Career Highlights: One of the most successful female artists in country music history. She has recorded over 30 studio albums, achieved two dozen No. 1 hits on the country charts, and is a Grammy Award winner. She is also a successful actress, starring in her own sitcom Reba and, more recently, serving as a coach on NBC's The Voice.
• Previous Marriages: Charlie Battles (1976–1987), Narvel Blackstock (1989–2015)

Rex Linn (The "Sugar Tot")

• Full Name: Rex Maynard Linn
• Born: November 13, 1956 (age 69 as of December 2025)
• Birthplace: Spearman, Texas, U.S.
• Occupation: Actor, Producer
• Career Highlights: A prolific character actor in film and television, best known for his long-running role as Detective Frank Tripp on the CBS drama CSI: Miami. His extensive filmography includes roles in major movies such as Cliffhanger, The Postman, and Rush Hour. He currently co-stars with Reba in the NBC sitcom Happy's Place.
• Previous Relationships: Has been previously engaged but never married.

The Decades-Long Friendship That Became a Fairytale Romance

The story of Reba and Rex is not a whirlwind romance, but rather a slow-burn love story that took nearly three decades to ignite. This history is what gives their current relationship such a strong foundation and topical authority.

The 1991 Meeting on Set

Their first encounter was in 1991 on the set of the made-for-TV movie The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw. Both were cast members alongside country legend Kenny Rogers. While they became fast friends, their lives took different paths, and they only kept in touch sporadically over the years.

The 2020 Reconnection

In 2020, following Reba’s divorce from her second husband, Narvel Blackstock, and during the early stages of the global pandemic, Reba and Rex reconnected. Their first official date was in January 2020, and the two quickly realized their platonic friendship had developed into something much deeper. The timing was perfect, and the two began a long-distance relationship, often communicating through phone calls and FaceTime during the lockdown period.

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The Origin of "Sugar Tot" and "Tater Tot"

One of the most endearing aspects of their relationship is their unique pet names. The "Tots" nicknames originated on their very first date in 2020. During a meal, Reba was excitedly ordering food and, upon hearing that tater tots were available, she enthusiastically raised her hand. Rex immediately dubbed her "Tater Tot." Reba, in turn, began calling him "Sugar Tot." This playful, casual moment cemented the lighthearted and affectionate nature of their bond, which they now use on everything from holiday cards to public appearances.

The Engagement and Nontraditional Wedding Plans

The relationship reached a new level of commitment in late 2024, leading to the highly anticipated public announcement in 2025.

A Secret Christmas Eve Proposal

Rex Linn proposed to Reba McEntire on Christmas Eve of 2024. The proposal was a private, intimate moment that the couple chose to keep under wraps for several months. This decision allowed them to enjoy the engagement privately before facing the media spotlight.

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The 2025 Emmy Awards Announcement

The couple finally shared their joyous news with the world in September 2025. They used the red carpet of the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards as their stage, confirming their engagement to reporters and proudly showing off Reba’s ring. The public announcement instantly became one of the biggest entertainment news stories of the year.

Why They Are in No Rush to Marry

Despite the excitement, Reba has been very clear that they are not rushing down the aisle. In recent interviews in late 2025, she explained that she is happier now than she has ever been and that the engagement itself is a perfect chapter in their life. She has also noted that she has been married twice before, and the focus now is on enjoying their life together, which includes co-starring in the new NBC sitcom, Happy's Place.

Details of the "Very Different" Reba/Rex Wedding

When the "Tots" do eventually decide to tie the knot, it will be an event that reflects their down-to-earth personalities and deep connection, steering clear of stuffy formalities.

A "Nontraditional" and "Low-Key" Event

Reba has offered a few intriguing hints about the type of wedding they are planning. She told the press that a "Reba/Rex wedding is going to be very different." She emphasized that it will be a "nontraditional wedding" and "low-key," focusing on fun, relaxation, and celebrating their unique bond.

The Focus on Fun and Family

The couple’s vision is to have an event that is uniquely them, prioritizing a relaxed atmosphere over formal traditions. This means fans should expect a joyful, intimate celebration, likely involving close family and friends, rather than a massive, star-studded Hollywood affair. The emphasis is on their love story and the blending of their lives, including Reba's son, Shelby Blackstock, and Rex's family.

In conclusion, as of December 2025, Reba McEntire and Rex Linn are one of the most beloved engaged couples in the entertainment industry. They are not yet husband and wife, but their "Tater Tot" and "Sugar Tot" bond is stronger than ever. The forthcoming "very different" wedding will undoubtedly be a perfect reflection of their enduring love and their shared joy in this new chapter of their lives.