Country music icon Reba McEntire and her longtime boyfriend, actor Rex Linn, are officially engaged after five years together. The couple confirmed their exciting news during a red carpet appearance at the 2025 Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday night (September 14).

Engagement Confirmed at the Emmy Awards

The engagement announcement came during an exclusive interview with Zuri Hall, host of Live From E!: 2025 Emmys.
While speaking to the pair, Hall referred to Rex as Reba’s fiancé, prompting smiles from the couple.

“We’re having a blast on Happy’s Place and so glad to be here tonight,” they replied, marking their first public acknowledgment of the engagement.

A representative for McEntire later confirmed the news to PEOPLE, making it official for fans worldwide.

A Love Story Decades in the Making

Reba and Rex’s story began all the way back in 1991 when they met on the set of The Gambler.

“We instantly bonded over living in Oklahoma and our love for horses and acting,” Reba once shared. “He made me laugh, and we became good buddies.”

Although they stayed friends for years, their romantic connection didn’t begin until they reunited on the set of Young Sheldon in 2020. Since then, the pair have been inseparable.

Reba Knew Rex Was the One

In a 2024 interview, Reba McEntire revealed that she was open to marriage if Rex ever proposed.

“If that’s something he feels totally strong about, that’s fine with me,” she said at the time. “He’s never been married before. So, if he wants to experience that, I’m OK with that.”

Reba has often spoken about how meaningful their relationship is. During a guest appearance on her sister Susie’s Circle TV show Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith, she shared that finding Rex has been a blessing.

“I’ve waited 66 years for a man to pray with and to share a faith and love of the Lord and to be compassionate and have a compassionate heart,” she said. “That’s very special.”

 

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Reba’s Third Marriage

This upcoming wedding will mark Reba McEntire’s third marriage.
She was previously married to Charlie Battles from 1976 to 1987, and to Narvel Blackstock from 1989 to 2015.

Fans and fellow country music stars have already flooded social media with congratulations and well wishes for the happy couple.