Reba McEntire and Rex Linn: A Detailed Look at Their Engagement and Relationship Journey
As of March 2026, celebrated country musician Reba McEntire is not married but is happily engaged to her long-term partner, actor Rex Linn. The couple, affectionately known as 'The Tots,' began dating in early 2020 and got engaged during a romantic Christmas Eve celebration in 2024. They have yet to announce a formal wedding date but have shared exciting details about their plans for a low-key, nontraditional ceremony.
Profile Summary of Reba McEntire
Full name: Reba Nell McEntire
Common name: Reba McEntire
Nickname: Reba, The Queen of Country
Gender: Female
Date of birth: 28 March 1955
Age: 70 years as of March 2026
Zodiac sign: Aries
Place of birth: McAlester, Oklahoma, United States
Nationality: American
Residence: Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Ethnicity: White
Sexual orientation: Straight
Height: 170 cm (5'7")
Body measurements: 37-26-37
Hair colour: Red
Eye colour: Blue
Father: Clark McEntire
Mother: Jacqueline Smith
Siblings: 3
Relationship status: Engaged
Children: 1 biological child, Shelby Steven McEntire Blackstock
High school: Kiowa High School
Higher education: Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Profession: Singer, songwriter, actress, producer
Net worth: $95 million
Social media: Active on X (Twitter), Instagram, Threads, Facebook, TikTok
Is Reba McEntire Married?
Reba McEntire is not married as of March 2026. She has been in a committed relationship with CSI: Miami actor Rex Linn since early 2020. The couple announced their engagement in January 2025, following a proposal in December 2024. McEntire has been married twice before: to rodeo champion Charlie Battles and later to her longtime manager Narvel Blackstock, with whom she shares her son, Shelby.
Reba McEntire and Rex Linn's Relationship Timeline
Reba McEntire and Rex Linn have cultivated a relationship that blends personal affection with professional collaboration. Here is a comprehensive timeline of their journey together.
1991: The Initial Meeting
Rex and Reba first met in 1991 during the filming of the Western movie The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw. In the film, Reba played the female lead, Burgundy Jones, while Rex portrayed Henry. At that time, Reba was married to Narvel Blackstock, and no romantic connection developed. They remained friends for nearly three decades before rekindling their acquaintance.
January 2020: Reconnecting on Set
In January 2020, the pair reunited on the set of Young Sheldon. Rex had a recurring role as Principal Tom, and Reba guest-starred as June Ballard. During this time, Linn asked McEntire out to dinner, but the plan was delayed. Eventually, they dined with co-stars, including Melissa Peterman, at a wine bar where they shared tater tots, leading to their nicknames 'The Tots.' Reba is called 'Tater Tot,' and Rex is 'Sugar Tot.'
October 2020: Going Public
Reba McEntire publicly revealed her relationship with Rex Linn on her podcast, Living & Learning with Reba McEntire, in October 2020. She described him as a 'sweetheart guy' and shared how they navigated dating during the COVID-19 pandemic. Linn confirmed the relationship by posting a picnic photo on Instagram with the caption 'Tater Tot. Angel on the ground.'
November 2020: Red Carpet Debut
The couple made their first public appearance as a pair at the CMA Awards in Nashville, Tennessee, on 11 November 2020. They wore coordinated outfits, with Reba in a sequined blazer dress and Rex in a blue sport coat. McEntire also hosted and performed at the event.
August 2021: Health Scare
In August 2021, Reba announced on TikTok Live that she and Rex had contracted COVID-19, despite being vaccinated. She urged fans to take precautions. Later, it was clarified that she had RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) instead.
March 2022: Academy Awards Appearance
Rex Linn and Reba McEntire attended the 94th Academy Awards in Hollywood, California, on 27 March 2022. Reba performed the Best Original Song nominee Somehow You Do in a stunning emerald green gown. They also enjoyed a double date with actor John Lithgow and his wife, Mary Yeager.
September 2022: On-Screen Collaboration in Big Sky
The couple played an on-screen married couple in season 3 of the ABC drama Big Sky. Reba portrayed Sunny Barnes, and Rex played Buck Barnes, owners of a glamping company with a mysterious past. In an interview with People, Reba noted that acting together felt natural and professional.
April 2023: Public Admiration
While guest-hosting on Today with Hoda & Jenna, Reba gushed over Rex, calling him 'a great guy to be in love with.' She also shared their nickname 'The Tots' with the audience.
October 2024: Co-Starring in Happy's Place
Reba and Rex starred together in the NBC sitcom Happy's Place, which premiered on 18 October 2024. Reba played Bobbie, who inherits a tavern, and Rex played Emmett, a bartender and love interest. Linn mentioned in an interview that they often rehearsed lines together and shared quick kisses on set.
December 2024: The Proposal
On Christmas Eve 2024, Rex Linn proposed to Reba McEntire with a custom black diamond and rose gold ring during a walk near a creek on their Tennessee ranch. Originally, Linn had planned a safari proposal in Africa but changed plans due to safety concerns. The couple kept the engagement private until January 2025 because of the Los Angeles wildfires.
September 2025: Confirming the Engagement
At the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards, Reba and Rex confirmed their engagement to Live From E!: 2025 Emmys. McEntire described their relationship as starting from friendship and growing into romance, emphasizing their strong bond since June 2020.
November 2025: Wedding Plans
In an exclusive with E! News, Reba shared that their wedding will be nontraditional, focusing on comfort, friends, and food. They have not set a date but plan to enjoy their engagement period. She mentioned to Today that the wedding will feature a low-key setting with lots of people and food, and they hope to honeymoon in Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Reba McEntire's new husband? Reba McEntire is not married; she is engaged to Rex Linn.
- Are Rex Linn and Reba McEntire still together? Yes, they have been together since early 2020.
- Did Rex Linn propose to Reba? Yes, he proposed in December 2024.
- How did Reba McEntire and Rex Linn meet? They met in 1991 while filming The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw.
- What does Rex Linn call Reba? He calls her Tater Tot, and she calls him Sugar Tot.
- Who has Rex Linn dated? Before Reba, he was engaged to Renee DeRese.
- How many real children does Reba McEntire have? She has one biological child, Shelby Blackstock, and was stepmother to five children from previous marriages.
Reba McEntire and Rex Linn continue to captivate fans with their enduring love story, blending personal joy with professional synergy. As they plan their nontraditional wedding, their journey from friends to fiancés remains a testament to their deep connection.
