From Co-Stars To Fiancés: Everything To Know About Reba McEntire’s Engagement To Rex Linn
Country music icon Reba McEntire is officially off the market, and the news couldn't be fresher or more exciting! As of late 2025, the legendary singer is not just dating someone; she is engaged to her longtime partner, beloved actor Rex Linn. The couple, who first sparked romance rumors in 2020, confirmed the major milestone at the 2025 Emmy Awards, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the "Fancy" singer. This relationship is a beautiful testament to second chances and finding love later in life, proving that some things are truly worth the wait.
The relationship between Reba McEntire and Rex Linn is a Hollywood love story 30 years in the making, evolving from a professional friendship to a passionate engagement. Fans have been captivated by their public displays of affection and their supportive co-star dynamic on the new NBC sitcom, *Happy’s Place*. Here is a deep dive into the man who captured Reba's heart, their full relationship timeline, and the latest details on their upcoming "nontraditional" wedding plans.
Rex Linn: The Complete Biography of Reba McEntire's Fiancé
Rex Linn, Reba McEntire's fiancé, is a veteran American actor known for his distinctive voice and extensive work in television and film. He is a familiar face to millions, having built a successful career over several decades, often portraying law enforcement and authoritative figures.
- Full Name: Rex Maynard Linn
- Date of Birth: November 13, 1956
- Age (as of 2025): 69 years old
- Place of Birth: Spearman, Texas
- Hometown/Early Career: Spent his early life in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, where he was a former bank manager and loan officer before pursuing acting full-time.
- Most Famous Role: Sergeant Frank Tripp on the CBS crime drama *CSI: Miami* (2002–2012).
- Other Notable Roles: Sheriff Ward on *The Ranch*, Kevin Wicks on *Better Call Saul*, and most recently, a main role alongside Reba in the new sitcom *Happy's Place*. He also appeared in films like *Cliffhanger* and *A Million Ways to Die in the West*.
- Relationship Status: Engaged to Reba McEntire (Confirmed September 2025).
The 30-Year Journey: Rex Linn and Reba’s Relationship Timeline
The love story of Reba and Rex is unique because it began long before their first date. Their connection is a perfect example of timing being everything, as their paths crossed professionally decades before romance blossomed.
The First Meeting: 1991
Reba McEntire and Rex Linn first met in 1991 on the set of the TV film *The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw*. At the time, they were both in different stages of their lives and careers, but they immediately hit it off and maintained a casual friendship over the next three decades. This initial connection, built on mutual respect and shared interests, laid the groundwork for their future relationship.
A Pandemic Romance: 2020
After Reba's divorce from her second husband, Narvel Blackstock, and a subsequent brief relationship with Anthony Lasuzzo, Reba and Rex reconnected in 2020. Their first date was in January 2020, and they began dating seriously just before the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. They have often spoken about how the pandemic forced them to communicate constantly, deepening their bond through long phone calls and texts, affectionately calling each other "Sugar Tot" and "Tater Tot." This period allowed their relationship to flourish without the pressures of public life and touring.
The Engagement Announcement: September 2025
After five years of dating, the couple confirmed their engagement on the red carpet at the 2025 Emmy Awards. The news was met with an outpouring of excitement from fans and fellow celebrities. Reba, who turned 70 in 2025, has publicly stated that she feels "God saved the best for last" with Rex, highlighting the genuine happiness and security she has found in this relationship.
Wedding Plans: 'Very Different' and Nontraditional
Following the engagement, Reba has been open about her excitement but also her desire for a low-key, nontraditional ceremony. During a December 2025 appearance on *The Drew Barrymore Show*, Reba shared that their wedding will be "very different" and "low-key," a decision that aligns with the couple's mature and grounded approach to life. Fans should expect a ceremony that focuses on their deep connection rather than a massive, star-studded event, reflecting a desire for simplicity and intimacy in their third marriage.
Reba McEntire’s Past Marriages and Relationships
To truly appreciate Reba's current happiness with Rex Linn, it's important to look at the relationships that shaped her life and career. The country music superstar has been married twice before.
First Husband: Charlie Battles (1976–1987)
Reba's first marriage was to steer wrestler and rancher Charlie Battles. They married in 1976 when Reba was 21 years old. Battles was 10 years her senior and already had two children. The marriage lasted 11 years, ending in divorce in 1987. Reba has since spoken about how that period was instrumental in her early career, but the relationship ultimately ran its course.
Second Husband: Narvel Blackstock (1989–2015)
Two years after her first divorce, Reba married her manager and former steel guitarist, Narvel Blackstock, in 1989. This was a significant relationship, both personally and professionally. They have one son together, Shelby Blackstock, and Narvel has three children from a previous marriage, making Reba a stepmother to five children in total, including Brandon Blackstock (Kelly Clarkson's ex-husband). Their marriage lasted 26 years before they announced their divorce in 2015, which was a major surprise to the public and a significant turning point in Reba’s personal life.
The Transition Period: Anthony Lasuzzo (2017–2019)
Following her divorce from Narvel Blackstock, Reba briefly dated retired oil geologist Anthony "Skeeter" Lasuzzo from 2017 to 2019. Their relationship was public but ultimately short-lived, paving the way for her eventual reconnection with Rex Linn in 2020.
The journey from a 1991 co-star meeting to a 2025 engagement highlights the beautiful, meandering path of true love. Reba McEntire and Rex Linn's story resonates with fans because it shows that even after decades of fame, two divorces, and a long wait, the country queen finally found her "Tater Tot," proving that a happy, committed partnership can arrive at any stage of life.
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