5 Shocking Revelations About Reba McEntire And Rex Linn’s Secret Engagement And Future Wedding Plans

The latest news confirms that country music legend Reba McEntire and actor Rex Linn are officially engaged, a joyous update that has thrilled fans of the power couple. As of December 2025, the pair is happily planning their future, though they have made it clear they are in no rush to walk down the aisle. Their relationship, which blossomed from a decades-long friendship, has been a beacon of mature, loving partnership in Hollywood, recently highlighted by a surprise engagement announcement that was kept secret for months. This December 2025 update provides fresh details on their unique wedding vision and their current professional collaboration on a new television project. The couple, who first met in the early 90s, reconnected and began dating in 2020, and their bond has only grown stronger, leading to one of the most heartwarming celebrity engagements of the year. The following is a deep dive into the lives of Reba and Rex, the surprising details of their engagement, and what their future holds.

Reba McEntire and Rex Linn: Complete Biography and Profile

The foundation of their celebrated romance lies in the successful, decades-spanning careers of both Reba McEntire and Rex Linn. Their respective journeys in country music and acting have made them household names long before they became a couple.

Reba McEntire (Reba Nell McEntire)

• Born: March 28, 1955, McAlester, Oklahoma, U.S.
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 70
• Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Businesswoman.
• Early Life: Grew up on an 8,000-acre cattle ranch in Chockie, Oklahoma. Her father, Clark McEntire, was a three-time world champion steer roper. She began performing with her siblings as the Singing McEntires.
• Career Highlights: One of the most successful female artists in country music history, often referred to as the "Queen of Country." Her career boasts over 75 million records sold worldwide, 35 No. 1 singles, and multiple Grammy Awards.
• Acting Career: Starred in the hit sitcom *Reba* (2001–2007) and films like *Tremors*. She is currently a coach on NBC's *The Voice*.
• Other Ventures: Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, operates several businesses, including a restaurant and a clothing line.

Rex Linn (Rex Maynard Linn)

• Born: November 13, 1956, Spearman, Texas, U.S.
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 69
• Occupation: Actor, Producer.
• Early Life: Moved to Oklahoma City as a child. He attended Oklahoma State University and initially worked in banking before pursuing acting.
• Career Highlights: A prolific character actor in film and television for over three decades.
• Notable Roles: Best known for his long-running role as Detective Sergeant Frank Tripp on the CBS drama *CSI: Miami* (2002–2012). He has also appeared in films such as *Cliffhanger*, *Wyatt Earp*, and *Django Unchained*.
• Current Projects: Co-starring with Reba McEntire in the upcoming NBC sitcom *Happy's Place*.

The Surprising Engagement Timeline: From Secret to Red Carpet Reveal

The relationship between Reba McEntire and Rex Linn is a masterclass in slow-burn romance, proving that sometimes the best love stories take decades to fully unfold. Their journey from a brief meeting in the early 90s to a confirmed engagement in 2025 is filled with fascinating details that even the most dedicated fans missed.

1. The 1991 Meeting That Planted the Seed

The couple’s story didn't begin in 2020; it started nearly three decades earlier. Reba and Rex first met in 1991 while filming the television movie *The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw*. They became fast friends, but both were involved in other relationships at the time, keeping their connection platonic for years. It was a mutual respect and admiration that would lay the groundwork for their future romance.

2. Reconnecting During the Pandemic

Following Reba's divorce from Narvel Blackstock in 2015, she and Rex reconnected in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic, surprisingly, brought them closer. They began talking frequently, often having "coffee dates" over Zoom or FaceTime, where their friendship quickly deepened into something more. They officially started dating in early 2020 and went public with their relationship later that year.

3. The Secret Engagement of December 2024

In a revelation that stunned the entertainment world, Reba McEntire confirmed that Rex Linn proposed in December 2024. The couple managed to keep the news entirely under wraps, enjoying their engagement privately for nearly a year. This secretive approach allowed them to savor the moment without immediate public scrutiny, a testament to their desire to keep their personal life grounded.

4. The Public Announcement at the 2025 Emmys

The world finally learned of their engagement in September 2025 when Reba and Rex walked the red carpet at the Emmy Awards. Reba confirmed the exciting news during an exclusive interview, proudly showing off her engagement ring. This public confirmation, nearly nine months after the actual proposal, became the biggest relationship story of the awards season, validating the strong bond fans had witnessed developing over the past few years.

Rex Linn's Sweet Nickname for Reba and Their New TV Collaboration

The couple’s affection is evident not just in their public appearances but also in the small, personal details of their relationship. Rex Linn frequently refers to Reba as "Tater Tot," a sweet and endearing nickname that has become a staple of their romance. This playful term of endearment highlights the lighthearted and fun nature of their connection. Beyond their personal life, Reba and Rex have brought their chemistry to the screen, a development that has delighted their joint fanbase.

Co-Starring in *Happy's Place*

The engaged couple is currently working side-by-side on the new NBC sitcom, *Happy's Place*, which is set to premiere soon. In a case of art imitating life, Rex Linn is playing the role of Reba’s boyfriend in the show. This unique opportunity allows them to blend their professional and personal lives, creating what is expected to be an "over the top" and authentic on-screen romance. Fans are eager to see their real-life dynamic translate into comedic gold in the new series, solidifying their status as a true power couple in both country music and television.

5. Why Reba McEntire and Rex Linn Are Not Rushing to Set a Wedding Date

Despite the excitement surrounding their engagement, Reba McEntire has been very open about her lack of urgency in setting a wedding date. For a couple who has found love later in life and has experienced previous marriages, their approach to tying the knot is refreshingly mature and focused on happiness over tradition.

A "Low-Key, Lots of Fun" Wedding Vision

In a recent appearance, Reba shared an update on their wedding plans, stating that a "Reba/Rex wedding is going to be very different." She described their vision as "low-key, lots of fun," suggesting a departure from the high-profile, elaborate celebrity weddings often seen in the media. The primary reason for their relaxed timeline is simple: they are already perfectly happy. Reba has publicly stated that she is "happier now than I've ever been in my life," and the rush of a wedding is secondary to enjoying their current engagement and the deep connection they share. They have a shared home, a successful professional partnership, and a loving relationship, making the official ceremony a formality they are willing to take their time with.

A Focus on the Partnership, Not the Timeline

Their decision to delay setting a date is a powerful statement on modern relationships. It emphasizes that the true commitment lies in the partnership itself—the shared life, the mutual support, and the daily love—rather than adhering to a strict marital timeline. For Reba McEntire and Rex Linn, the engagement is a joyous celebration of their bond, and the wedding will happen when the time is absolutely right for them. This grounded approach is just one more reason why their love story resonates so deeply with fans worldwide.