5 Shocking Details About Reba McEntire And Rex Linn's Engagement That Will Make You Believe In Second Chances

The question "Are Rex Linn and Reba McEntire still together?" has been definitively answered, not just with a "yes," but with a major relationship upgrade that sent shockwaves through Hollywood and Nashville. As of this writing in December 2025, the iconic country superstar and the veteran actor are happily engaged, having officially confirmed the exciting news on the red carpet at the 2025 Emmy Awards. This revelation ended years of speculation and marked the beautiful culmination of a decades-long friendship that blossomed into a deep, loving romance during the challenging year of 2020.

Their love story is a perfect blend of old-school charm and modern connection, proving that true love can find you later in life—and sometimes, it’s been right in front of you all along. The couple, known for their affectionate nicknames like "sugar tot," are now planning a future together, with Reba hinting that their wedding will be a "very different" kind of event. This article dives into the complete, up-to-the-minute details of their engagement, their shared history, and everything you need to know about the beloved pair.

Reba McEntire and Rex Linn: Complete Biographical Profiles

The foundation of this celebrated romance is built on two highly successful and respected careers in entertainment. Their journey together is a powerful narrative of two mature, established professionals finding genuine companionship and passion after previous marriages.

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Reba McEntire (The Queen of Country)

• Full Name: Reba Nell McEntire
• Born: March 28, 1955, in McAlester, Oklahoma, U.S.
• Age: 70 (as of 2025)
• Profession: Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Producer, Television Personality (known as a coach on The Voice).
• Key Achievements: One of the most successful female country artists of all time, with over 75 million records sold worldwide, a Country Music Hall of Fame inductee, and star of the sitcom Reba and the new series Happy's Place.
• Previous Marriages: Charlie Battles (1976–1987) and Narvel Blackstock (1989–2015).

Rex Linn (The Veteran Character Actor)

• Full Name: Rex Maynard Linn
• Born: November 13, 1956, in Spearman, Texas, U.S.
• Age: 68 (as of 2025)
• Profession: Actor, Producer, Location Management.
• Key Roles: Best known for his long-running role as Detective Sergeant Frank Tripp on the CBS drama CSI: Miami, and for his recurring role as Principal Tom Petersen on the hit comedy Young Sheldon. He has also appeared in films like Cliffhanger and Django Unchained.
• Education: Alumnus of Oklahoma State University.

The Shocking 2025 Engagement: A Secret Revealed on the Red Carpet

The most significant and recent development in their relationship came in September 2025, when the couple confirmed their engagement while walking the red carpet at the Emmy Awards.

The news was a surprise to many, especially because the couple had been keeping their new status a secret for some time. Reports indicate that Rex Linn had actually proposed earlier, and the couple chose to keep the exciting news private until their major public appearance in September 2025.

Reba, who has been openly joyful about the relationship, has shared that she "feels like a teenager again" since getting together with Rex. This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the renewed energy and happiness their bond has brought to both of their lives.

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The Engagement Ring and Proposal Details

While details about the proposal itself have been kept largely private, the appearance of a stunning ring on Reba’s finger at the Emmys was the initial giveaway before the couple confirmed the news. The simplicity and elegance of the ring have been noted, reflecting the couple's down-to-earth, "cowboy way of life" approach to their romance.

The decision to announce their engagement on such a high-profile stage was a powerful statement of their commitment, making it one of the most talked-about moments of the awards season.

From Decades-Long Friends to "Sugar Tot" Fiancés

The love story of Reba McEntire and Rex Linn is not a whirlwind romance; it's a slow-burn, decades-in-the-making connection. They first met in the early 1990s while working on a project together and maintained a close friendship for nearly 30 years.

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The Young Sheldon Catalyst

The turning point for their relationship came in early 2020. They reconnected while both were guest-starring on the hit CBS show Young Sheldon—Rex as Principal Petersen and Reba as June, the ex-wife of Dale Ballard (Craig T. Nelson).

Though they were friends, the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown created the perfect environment for their friendship to deepen into romance. They began talking and texting daily, eventually going on their first date in January 2020, and their relationship flourished through regular phone calls and virtual dates.

The Power of Shared Values

Reba has often credited their shared Oklahoma/Texas roots and their mutual respect for the "cowboy way of life" as the glue that holds their relationship together. They share a love for the outdoors, a strong work ethic, and a deep sense of family and faith. Rex's endearing nickname for Reba, "sugar tot," has become an iconic symbol of their sweet and playful dynamic.

What We Know About Reba and Rex's Wedding Plans

Following the exciting engagement news, fans immediately turned their attention to wedding plans. Reba has been candid in recent interviews about their intentions, offering a few key details that suggest a non-traditional celebration.

• No Date Set Yet: As of late 2025, the couple has confirmed they are happily engaged but have not yet set a wedding date.
• A "Very Different" Event: Reba has stated that her wedding to Rex will be "very different" from her previous marriages. This suggests a desire for a smaller, more intimate, and less conventional ceremony that focuses entirely on their bond and happiness.
• Focus on Happiness: Reba has repeatedly mentioned that she is "happier now than I've ever been in my life," indicating that the priority for both of them is simply enjoying their engagement and the partnership they share.

In a world of constant celebrity breakups, the story of Reba McEntire and Rex Linn is a heartwarming testament to enduring love. Their journey from long-time friends to engaged partners, culminating in a surprise announcement in 2025, solidifies their status as one of entertainment's most beloved couples.