The Unexpected Fiancé: Who Is Reba McEntire Engaged To And Why Are They Not Rushing The Wedding?

Country music icon Reba McEntire is not currently married, but she is happily engaged to her longtime boyfriend, actor Rex Linn. The news of their engagement—a joyful surprise for fans—was officially confirmed on the red carpet at the 2025 Emmy Awards, although the proposal itself quietly took place in December 2024. The couple, who first met decades ago but reconnected during the 2020 pandemic lockdown, have become one of Hollywood’s most beloved pairings, affectionately giving each other the nicknames "Tater Tot" and "Sugar Tot."

As of late December 2025, the beloved singer and her fiancé, who also co-stars with her on the new NBC sitcom Happy's Place, are in no rush to walk down the aisle. After two previous marriages, Reba and Rex are savoring their engagement, prioritizing their happiness and busy careers, which includes their joint work on the new TV series.

Rex Linn: Full Biography and Profile of Reba McEntire’s Fiancé

Rex Linn is a highly recognizable American film and television actor, known for his roles across various major television franchises and films. His relationship with Reba McEntire has brought him renewed public attention, but his career spans decades of consistent work in Hollywood.

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Rex Linn Biography at a Glance:

• Full Name: Rex Maynard Linn
• Born: November 13, 1956
• Birthplace: Spearman, Texas, United States
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 69 years old
• Education: Alumnus of Oklahoma State University (OSU)
• Primary Occupation: Actor, Voiceover Artist, Producer
• Relationship Status: Engaged to Reba McEntire

Linn’s career is defined by his versatility, often playing roles as police officers, detectives, or authority figures.

Notable Film and Television Roles:

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• CSI: Miami (2003–2012): His most famous role as Detective Sergeant Frank Tripp, appearing in over 180 episodes.
• The Big Bang Theory (2017–2019): Played the recurring role of Principal Tom Petersen.
• Better Call Saul (2016–2020): Portrayed the character Kevin Wachtell.
• Young Sheldon (2020): Appeared as Principal Petersen, reprising a similar role.
• Big Sky (2020–2023): Played Sheriff Walter Tubb.
• Happy's Place (2024–Present): Co-stars with Reba McEntire in the NBC sitcom.
• Major Films: Roles in Rush Hour, Wyatt Earp, and Django Unchained.

Rex Linn and Reba McEntire first met in 1991 while filming the movie The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw with Kenny Rogers, but their romance didn't ignite until nearly 30 years later, after Reba’s divorce from her second husband.

Why Reba McEntire and Rex Linn Are Not Rushing Their "Nontraditional" Wedding

Despite the excitement surrounding their engagement, Reba McEntire and Rex Linn have been very open about their decision to take their time planning the wedding, a refreshing perspective for a high-profile celebrity couple. The country legend has repeatedly stated that they are "savoring" the engagement period, preferring to enjoy their current blissful relationship status rather than immediately diving into wedding planning.

Their packed professional schedules are a major factor in their relaxed timeline. Both are currently starring in the new NBC sitcom Happy's Place, which premiered in 2024. Reba has noted that the demands of filming and her other commitments, such as hosting Christmas in Rockefeller Center, mean they have limited time to dedicate to a large ceremony.

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When the wedding does happen, Reba has promised it will be "very different" and "nontraditional." Given that her first two weddings were private and low-key (her second to Narvel Blackstock was on a boat at Lake Tahoe), a simple, fun, and intimate ceremony is highly anticipated. This approach reflects a couple who is secure and deeply happy, prioritizing their partnership over the spectacle of a celebrity wedding.

A Look Back at Reba McEntire's Two Previous Marriages

To fully understand Reba McEntire's current relationship and her relaxed approach to marriage, it’s essential to look at her history. The singer has been married twice, and both relationships played significant roles in her life and career, giving her a grounded perspective on what truly matters in a partnership.

1. Charlie Battles (1976–1987)

Reba's first husband was a steer wrestling champion and rancher named Charlie Battles. They married in 1976 when Reba was 21 years old. Battles was 10 years her senior and already had two children from a previous marriage. Their relationship, which lasted for 11 years, ended in divorce in 1987.

2. Narvel Blackstock (1989–2015)

Two years after her first divorce, Reba married her manager, Narvel Blackstock, in a private ceremony on a boat in Lake Tahoe in 1989. This marriage was a major professional partnership as well, with Blackstock managing her career throughout its peak. The couple became a country music power duo and share one son, Shelby Blackstock, who is a professional race car driver. After 26 years of marriage, they divorced in 2015.

The split from Blackstock was a significant life change for Reba, both personally and professionally, as she also parted ways with his management company. This history of long-term, high-stakes marriages likely contributes to her current desire to simply enjoy her engagement with Rex Linn without the pressure of a looming wedding date.

The Sweet Connection: Reba and Rex as Co-Stars on Happy's Place

The couple's relationship has taken a fascinating turn, moving from private romance to professional collaboration on the set of the new NBC sitcom, Happy's Place. The show, which is a reunion for Reba and her former Reba co-star Melissa Peterman, features Rex Linn as a cast member.

Working together has only strengthened their bond. Reba has shared in interviews that she loves having Rex on set, noting that their shared professional life is a source of joy and stability. Their on-screen chemistry is organic, given their real-life connection, which adds a unique dynamic to the show. This shared project is one of the main reasons they are choosing to delay their wedding, allowing them to focus their energy on the show’s success and the simple pleasure of being together every day.

The relationship between "Tater Tot" and "Sugar Tot" is a testament to finding true love later in life. While Reba McEntire is not married today, her engagement to Rex Linn is a happy new chapter that fans are eagerly watching unfold, whether the wedding happens tomorrow or years from now. Their focus remains on enjoying their engagement, their careers, and their deep, loving connection.