Electric tension filled the air at the 2025 Emmys. Country music legend Reba McEntire walked the red carpet with effortless poise, flashing a bright smile to enthrall every pop of a camera. But it wasn’t so much her stunning appearance that dominated the headlines it was a subtle, radiant nod that generated ripples of happiness across the entertainment sphere. During an interview with E! News reporter Zuri Hall, Reba officially confirmed what everybody had been speculating about for months: that she and her long-time boyfriend, Rex Linn, were, in fact, engaged.
- They revealed their engagement quietly at the 2025 Emmy Awards.
- Reba’s subtle head nod was the most exciting moment of the evening.
- Supporters adored the subtlety of the surprise
- The two had had a secret engagement for almost a year.
- It was a highlight of their long, inspiring romance.
- The Enchanted Proposal That Turned Everything Around
This wasn’t only a celebrity reveal; it was a adorable reveal that was laced with patience, timing, and genuine love. The fans had already been loving the couple’s tough, stoic demeanor, and this reaffirmation gave their tale a mystical new chapter. When Reba “happily nodded” when Zuri mentioned Rex as her fiancé, the world collectively swooned. Behind the fast second was an electric ride, one which Reba has now shared with loyal fans.
Now that the secret is out, Reba did at last reveal the special date that started it all. The proposal was made on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2024, in the tiny suburb of Leipers Fork, Tennessee, just outside of Nashville. Rex, being the gentleman that he is, took the surprise so seriously. “It was his choice,” Reba told People about how utterly surprising the moment was. I had no idea, it was a total surprise. It was Rex Linn timing.
The perfection of the moment lay not in how over-the-top it was, but in how real it was. In the golden light of Christmas lights and the safety of love, Rex posed the question that would forever alter their lives. The proposal itself was like them basic, real, and understated. Reba later announced that Rex had carried the ring with him for months, including on a trip to Africa, waiting for the ideal moment to propose to her.
1. Why They Held It From Us for Nearly a Year
Following the proposal, Reba and Rex made the desperate choice not to publicize it. Initially, they were to share the news upon their return from Los Angeles in January. But fate had other plans. The same month, fierce fires swept portions of California, leaving thousands homeless including Reba and Rex themselves, who were twice compelled to evacuate.
- Their romance was kept secret for 10 months out of kindness.
- Reba and Rex were both personally impacted by the fires.
- They chose mending the community over celebrating themselves.
- The two waited until the Emmys to come out with their news.
- Their humanness brought them more respect from fans.
Reba said it just didn’t seem like the thing to do to party in the face of such colossal loss. “The fires occurred,” she said to People, her voice full of sympathy. “It wasn’t the time.” She recalled how their party was “tempered” and continued, “These people were losing their houses. We evacuated twice ourselves. That wasn’t the time.” Their compassion and empathy for others told a lot about their character and their sense of humanity.
By the 2025 Emmys, timing was finally in their favor. When Zuri Hall casually called Rex Reba’s fiancée and she smiled and nodded in confirmation, it wasn’t a planned reveal it was an unplanned, heartfelt affirmation. That honesty more than anything else reminded everyone why they’ve loved Reba all these years: she begins with kindness, humility, and heart.
2. A Black Diamond and a Story of Elegance
The wedding was only the beginning of the surprises to make headlines. Reba’s ring choice a gorgeous black diamond ring was the highlight. While white diamonds, black diamonds, or carbonados are common, black diamonds, or carbonados, are uncommon stones that only exist in Brazil and the Central African Republic. Their mysterious, dark color represents strength, eternity, and durability qualities which reflect the character of Reba and Rex’s relationship as well as complement each other quite ideally.
- The ring is a carbonado, or a black diamond, which is a very rare gemstone.
- It symbolizes everlasting love, strength, and durability.
- She wore it discreetly while filming to preserve their privacies.
- Its simplicity was befitting their humble personalities.
- Her creativity and symbolism were admired by fans.
Reba’s choosing to wear this modest ring, even during taping “The Voice” in mid-2025, showed her commitment to restraint. The ring was present, quietly glinting, but never loudly trumpeting its presence. It let her and Rex share their engagement as a secret among themselves before anyone else. To Reba, that was more valuable than gold the opportunity to have a little secret of their own.
This black diamond was not just jewellery; it was a metaphor. It was the story of two individuals who have lived life to the fullest, endured the storms, and yet still found something beautiful in each other. As with the rarely seen gemstone itself, their love was unconventional, strong, and quietly breathtaking.
3. From Colleagues to Soulmates: The Long Road to Love
Reba and Rex’s romance began a long time ago. They first met in 1991 on The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw production. While there was chemistry, life forced them apart. Years passed until January of 2020 when destiny confronted them once more. This time, though, they did not meet as the screen couple but as two souls who would risk their hearts.
- They initially met in 1991 when they were working together.
- They reunited in 2020, after almost three decades.
- Physical distance during the pandemic deepened their emotional connection.
- Routine video calls intensified intimacy.
- Love came naturally from friendship
Their new friendship became romance when the world closed down during the pandemic. Reba was with her mom in Oklahoma, and Rex was remaining stationary in Los Angeles. Instead of falling apart, however, they moved closer to each other as they stayed in touch all the time. They had hours-long FaceTimes and Zooms, speaking “four to five times a day,” Reba remembered, uncovering new depths of emotional intimacy.
When they were finally reunited in person that summer, the connection had become unbreakable. Reba reminisces about how they’ve been “pretty much inseparable ever since.” It’s a love story that reminds us that love is not perfect harmony it’s finding the right person at the right moment in your life, even if three decades later.
4. The Joy of Simple Living and Shared Dreams
At the heart of Reba and Rex’s relationship lies simplicity. They share a love for everyday joys cooking together, watching TV, laughing over silly jokes. “We’re foodies,” Reba told Us Weekly. “We love to cook.” Their shared interests give their relationship a natural rhythm that feels easy and unforced, making them not just lovers but best friends.
- They have things in common both in the kitchen and in the little things.
- They both have a fantasy of a country, cowboy-style way of life.
- Their mutual good humour and playfulness make them youthful in outlook.
- Humour and laughter play a large role in their relationship dynamic.
- They have a strong relationship based on respect for each other and honesty.
They both also have a country simplicity fantasy of being a “cowboy and a cowgirl” country way of life. Despite the fact that their work brought them into the field of entertainment rather than onto the open range, the fantasy unites them very strongly. It’s this common understanding that keeps them healthier, both on- and off-camera.
Rex brings out Reba’s playful side the side fans rarely see. “Rex brings out the little girl in me,” she said fondly. “I’m dorky, I’m goofy, and so is he.” Their relationship isn’t just romantic; it’s joyful, filled with moments that remind them to laugh and live fully.
5. Working Together and Loving Every Minute
Few couples get to share their personal and professional worlds so seamlessly. Reba and Rex co-star in the NBC sitcom “Happy’s Place,” a project that perfectly blends their talents. Reba beams with pride when discussing it, calling the experience one of her happiest yet. “Getting to work with Rex, drive to work with him, rehearse, and come home together that’s special. I’ve never had that before.”
- They headline on NBC’s Happy’s Place.
- Their off-camera rapport brings extra polish to their on-camera acting.
- They have everyday routines that make them an even tighter team.
- Rex’s consideration indicates they love each other.
- What they do as coworkers solidifies their individual relationship.
Their affection overflows into their work place. Rex himself has confessed that during breaks, he’ll just mosey on over to plant a little kiss on the cheek. These are little things, but they make their work space really happy an honest-to-goodness “Happy Place” in every sense of the phrase. It is a special dynamic to have someone who loves your work and your heart. Reba has said many times she feels “blessed beyond words” for this time in her life, when work and love are so much in sync.
6. No Rush to the Altar Just Pure Joy
Of course, the public would love to know when the wedding date would be. But Reba and Rex aren’t in any hurry. When she inquired of Rex, “Well, when do you want to do this?” he winked and said: “Let’s enjoy the fun of this engagement period.” They are simply enjoying being engaged indulging in joy of proximity without hasty formalities.
- The couple is taking their time before planning a wedding.
- Reba values enjoying the engagement phase.
- She respects Rex’s desire to experience marriage fully.
- Their bond is rooted in patience, not pressure.
- They prioritise happiness and presence over planning.
This relaxed approach reflects a deep emotional maturity. Reba has been married twice before, and she’s approaching this chapter with perspective and grace. “He’s never been married before,” she shared. “If he wants to experience that, I’m okay with it.” Her openness and generosity toward Rex’s feelings highlight her selflessness and growth.
At 70, Reba is thriving personally, professionally, and emotionally. “I’m happier now than I’ve ever been,” she told People. Her words carry the confidence of a woman who’s lived fully and found peace in where she is.
7. Embracing Life, Love, and Endless Possibilities
Retirement isn’t even on Reba’s radar. Like her friend Dolly Parton, she imagines doing something she enjoys as long as it’s still fun. “Why would I retire?” she paraphrased Dolly saying. “What could I do that’s more fun than this?” Reba heartily concurs, going on to say, “I love this chapter in my life. I’m thankful every day.”.
- Reba will continue to sing and write.
- She is inspired by the way of life of Dolly Parton.
- Her guidance infuses hope and healing in the heart.
- For her, love is a gift of God’s timing.
- Her thankfulness defines this period of her life.
Her insight is not limited to music and television. To broken-hearted listeners, Reba provides sage advice: “Never give up. Take care of yourself, and keep your heart open. Love can find you when you least expect it.” Her own life is evidence she wasn’t looking for love, but it found her at the perfect moment.
During the 2025 Emmys, Reba not only revealed that she was engaged, she celebrated friendship and gratitude by singing “Thank You for Being a Friend” from The Golden Girls. She then awarded a prize, sparkling with that same wit we’ve grown to think of when we think of her. As she and Rex clinked glasses on their goofy “five years of tater tots,” their fling became a beacon of joy, strength, and second-chance loveliness.
Conclusion: Love Finds Its Perfect Moment
Reba McEntire’s love story with Rex Linn isn’t a fairytale it’s something richer and more real. It’s about rediscovery, compassion, laughter, and the courage to open your heart again. Their journey reminds us that love doesn’t follow a schedule; it blooms in its own time, often when you’ve learned to be patient with life.
To Reba, it’s not just another book in her existence, it’s the most joyful one yet. And as she keeps on radiating on stage and off stage, her world message is crystal clear: when love’s on the line, timing is not paramount it is the only thing.
