At Last! The Full Story Behind Reba McEntire’s Secret Engagement To Rex Linn: 5 Things You Didn't Know About Their 'Nontraditional' Wedding

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Country music royalty Reba McEntire is officially engaged, confirming the joyous news with her longtime partner, actor Rex Linn. As of December 23, 2025, the couple is enjoying their time as fiancés, having kept the engagement a secret for months before a public announcement in September 2025. The proposal, which took place on Christmas Eve 2024, marks the beginning of a new chapter for the beloved star, who has openly shared that she feels "God saved the best for last" with her new fiancé, Rex Linn.

This engagement is one of the biggest stories in country music and Hollywood, blending the worlds of a Grammy-winning artist and a veteran television actor. While the news is now public, McEntire has been candid about her relaxed approach to their future nuptials, describing the pending ceremony as "nontraditional" and "very low-key." Fans are eager for details on the wedding, but for now, the couple is focused on their careers, including co-starring in the new NBC sitcom, Happy's Place.

Reba McEntire and Rex Linn: A Comprehensive Profile of the Engaged Couple

The engagement between Reba McEntire and Rex Linn brings together two powerhouse careers from different entertainment spheres. Their bond is a testament to finding love later in life, and their shared history is deeper than many realize.

Reba Nell McEntire: The Queen of Country

  • Born: March 28, 1955, McAlester, Oklahoma, U.S.
  • Age: 70 (as of March 2025)
  • Career Highlights: Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Record Producer, Entrepreneur. She is one of the most successful female recording artists in music history, with over 75 million records sold worldwide.
  • Breakthrough: Gained attention after singing the national anthem at the 1974 National Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City.
  • Accolades: Multiple Grammy Awards, numerous CMA Awards, ACM Awards, and induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
  • Television/Film: Starred in the sitcom Reba (2001–2007) and currently co-stars in Happy's Place. She also served as a coach on NBC’s The Voice.
  • Previous Marriages: Charlie Battles (1976–1987) and Narvel Blackstock (1989–2015).

Rex Maynard Linn: The Veteran Actor

  • Born: November 13, 1956, Spearman, Texas, U.S.
  • Age: 69 (as of November 2025)
  • Career Highlights: American film and television actor.
  • Notable Roles: Best known for his long-running role as Detective Sergeant Frank Tripp in the CBS drama CSI: Miami (2002–2012). He also appeared in major films like Cliffhanger (1993), Wyatt Earp (1994), and Cutthroat Island (1995).
  • Current Work: Co-stars with Reba McEntire in the new NBC sitcom Happy's Place.
  • Relationship History: Was previously engaged to Renee Derese in 2010.

The Christmas Eve Proposal and Why They Kept It a Secret

The story of how Rex Linn proposed to Reba McEntire is a romantic one, even if the announcement was delayed. The couple, who first met in 1991 while filming the movie The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw, reconnected and began dating in 2020 after a dinner date in January of that year.

The actual engagement took place on a very special day: Christmas Eve, December 24, 2024. Linn reportedly had an elaborate plan to propose to McEntire during a safari trip in Africa, but the pandemic forced him to change his plans. He ultimately chose a more intimate, personal setting to pop the question, presenting her with a stunning engagement ring.

While the proposal was nearly a year ago, the news was not officially confirmed until September 2025. The couple, attending the Emmy Awards, let the news slip on the red carpet, where they proudly showed off the ring. McEntire later explained that the delay was simply due to their focus on work, particularly the launch of their new show, Happy's Place, and their desire to enjoy the moment privately first.

Rex Linn has been a source of immense joy for McEntire. She often refers to him as her "Sugar Tot," a term of endearment that has become popular among fans. Their relationship is characterized by mutual support, humor, and a deep appreciation for each other’s careers and personal lives.

Why Reba and Rex Are Planning a 'Nontraditional' and 'Low-Key' Wedding

Despite the high-profile nature of their careers, Reba McEntire and Rex Linn are not planning a lavish, star-studded affair. The country icon has been very clear about her intentions for their upcoming nuptials, using terms like "nontraditional," "very low-key," and focused on a smaller, more intimate celebration.

The decision stems from their personal priorities and life experiences. Having both been married before, they are approaching this union with a mature perspective that values companionship and simplicity over grandiosity. McEntire has publicly stated that she is not "rushing" to walk down the aisle, emphasizing that her career commitments, including her role on The Voice and Happy’s Place, are currently a priority.

Key Details About the Pending Nuptials

  • The Pace: McEntire has stated that "work comes first," indicating the wedding will happen when their busy schedules allow, not on a strict timeline.
  • The Vibe: The ceremony is expected to be "very low-key," a stark contrast to some celebrity weddings.
  • The Focus: The couple's primary focus is on their relationship and their shared professional projects, particularly their work together on the sitcom. They are, as McEntire put it, "great rehearsal partners."
  • The Sentiment: McEntire's belief that "God saved the best for last" highlights her deep contentment with finding her true partner in Rex Linn, suggesting the wedding itself is a formality to celebrate an already strong bond.

The couple's relaxed attitude about the wedding date has led to playful speculation and even a few minor public corrections. For instance, McEntire had to correct a co-anchor on The Today Show after the host mistakenly referred to Rex Linn as her "husband," clarifying that they are still very much in the fiancé stage. This moment only underscored their unhurried approach to becoming husband and wife.

Ultimately, the engagement of Reba McEntire and Rex Linn is a heartwarming story of two people who found a second chance at love and are building a future together on their own terms. Whether the wedding is tomorrow or a year from now, the love between the country music legend and her actor fiancé is clear, proving that true happiness can indeed wait for the perfect time.

reba mcentire engaged
reba mcentire engaged

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