Reba McEntire boyfriend updates continue to capture public interest as the country music icon celebrates both career success and personal happiness in 2025. The beloved singer, actress, and television personality is still in a loving relationship with actor Rex Linn, and the two remain one of entertainment’s most admired couples.
As of December 2025, Reba and Rex have been together for more than five years. Their relationship, which began during the early months of 2020, has continued to flourish publicly and privately. They are known for their humor, warmth, and genuine affection for one another—a connection that feels refreshingly real in the entertainment industry.
Who Is Rex Linn?
Rex Linn, Reba McEntire’s boyfriend, is a seasoned American actor with a career spanning over three decades. Born November 13, 1956, in Spearman, Texas, Linn grew up in Oklahoma City before earning a degree in radio, television, and film from Oklahoma State University.
His film and television credits are extensive. Linn is widely recognized for his role as Detective Frank Tripp on the long-running CBS drama CSI: Miami. More recently, he appeared as Kevin Wachtell in the Emmy-winning series Better Call Saul and continues to work steadily in both television and film.
Linn’s on-screen presence combines grit and humor, qualities that align perfectly with McEntire’s strong yet down-to-earth personality. Despite his Hollywood career, he has remained grounded, a trait that has deepened his connection with Reba.
How Reba McEntire and Rex Linn Met
Reba McEntire and Rex Linn’s love story began long before they officially started dating. The two first crossed paths in 1991 on the set of the Kenny Rogers television movie The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw. At the time, their interaction was brief, but it planted a seed that would later grow into something special.
Decades later, in early 2020, they reconnected through mutual friends and began talking regularly. Their conversations started casually but soon turned into daily exchanges filled with laughter and shared interests.
The relationship officially blossomed that spring, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when they spent hours speaking by phone before finally reuniting in person. Their bond quickly deepened, leading to one of the most endearing celebrity relationships in recent memory.
The Beginning of a True Partnership
By late 2020, McEntire and Linn had made their relationship public. Since then, they have appeared together at major award shows, television tapings, and charity events, radiating joy and authenticity wherever they go.
One of the hallmarks of their relationship is their playful dynamic. They affectionately refer to each other by nicknames—Reba calls Rex “Sugar Tot,” while he calls her “Tater Tot.” These lighthearted exchanges reflect their shared sense of humor and closeness.
Their ability to laugh together, even in high-profile situations, has made them fan favorites. Both have expressed in interviews that laughter is one of the keys to their strong connection.
Reba McEntire’s Boyfriend in Her Professional World
Rex Linn has been a constant source of encouragement for McEntire, particularly as her career continues to evolve. In recent years, McEntire has taken on multiple roles, including her ongoing position as a coach on NBC’s The Voice.
Linn is often seen supporting her during live tapings, standing proudly in the audience or behind the scenes. McEntire, in turn, has supported Linn’s acting career, sharing excitement for his projects and celebrating his achievements publicly.
Their mutual admiration is easy to see. Both understand the demands of the entertainment industry, and that shared understanding has strengthened their bond.
Even during busy filming schedules and concert tours, the couple prioritizes time together, whether at home in Oklahoma or traveling between sets in California and Tennessee.
A Love That Grew Through Friendship
Reba McEntire has often described Rex Linn as her best friend before anything else. Their connection began through conversation rather than convenience, and that foundation continues to define their relationship.
In interviews, McEntire has said that their bond was built on communication, laughter, and shared values. They talk about everything—from their work to family memories—and both have said that honesty keeps them close.
This genuine friendship has helped them navigate the challenges of fame and distance, ensuring that their relationship stays grounded despite their public visibility.
Public Appearances and Red Carpet Moments
Throughout 2024 and 2025, Reba McEntire and her boyfriend have made several memorable appearances together at major entertainment events. Their chemistry is unmistakable on red carpets, and they often share affectionate moments that photographers love to capture.
Some of their standout public appearances include:
- 2025 CMA Awards: Reba dazzled in a floor-length gown, with Rex accompanying her and greeting fans.
- ACM Honors 2025: The couple shared a laugh backstage as McEntire received special recognition for her contributions to country music.
- The Voice Live Shows: Linn attended several tapings, showing visible pride as Reba mentored contestants.
- Charity Galas and Public Events: Together, they have supported causes related to education, food insecurity, and animal welfare.
Their public appearances consistently highlight their strong connection and mutual respect.
How They Spend Their Time Away from Work
Away from the cameras, McEntire and Linn lead a life that mirrors their personalities—fun, family-oriented, and peaceful. They divide their time between McEntire’s properties in Nashville and Oklahoma, and Linn’s home base in California.
They share a love of the outdoors and often enjoy fishing, hiking, and spending time with their pets. Reba frequently shares glimpses of their life together on social media, whether it’s cooking at home or celebrating birthdays with friends.
Their shared passion for food has become a running theme in their relationship. They’ve joked about their culinary adventures, with Reba saying that Rex’s love of spicy dishes has influenced her own cooking style.
Reba’s Career and How Rex Supports Her
Reba McEntire, born March 28, 1955, remains one of the most influential figures in country music history. With more than 75 million albums sold and countless awards to her name, she continues to dominate the entertainment industry well into her 70s.
Her television presence on The Voice and her consistent touring schedule have kept her career as vibrant as ever. Throughout it all, Rex Linn has been her biggest cheerleader.
Friends close to the couple have described Linn as deeply proud of McEntire’s achievements. Whether on stage or on set, he is often seen nearby—quietly supportive but always smiling.
This balance of independence and encouragement defines their relationship and serves as an example of partnership built on trust rather than dependency.
Marriage Speculation and Their Outlook
As of December 2025, Reba McEntire and Rex Linn are not married, though their relationship remains as strong as ever. While fans frequently wonder whether they will tie the knot, both have shared that they are content and fulfilled in their current stage of life.
McEntire has spoken openly about being happy without needing a formal ceremony. After previous relationships and decades in the public eye, she says what matters most is compatibility, laughter, and love that feels easy.
Rex Linn echoes this sentiment, focusing on the joy they share rather than labels. Their approach reflects a modern understanding of relationships—built on mutual respect rather than societal expectation.
Why Fans Adore Their Relationship
Reba McEntire and Rex Linn’s relationship resonates with fans because it feels relatable and genuine. They’re two individuals who found love later in life, built on shared humor, experience, and deep understanding.
Fans appreciate their authenticity, seeing them as proof that lasting relationships thrive on friendship first. They show that love doesn’t need to be flashy or overly public—it can be rooted in small gestures, laughter, and shared values.
Their connection also represents balance: two successful individuals supporting one another while maintaining their independence and careers.
Reba and Rex in 2025: A Year of Love and Laughter
This year has been another memorable one for the couple. Between McEntire’s continued success on television and Linn’s acting projects, they’ve managed to make time for travel, family visits, and downtime at home.
Highlights of their year include:
- Attending Reba’s sold-out concert series in Nashville.
- Enjoying a summer getaway to the Southwest, where they visited scenic national parks.
- Spending Thanksgiving surrounded by family and friends in Oklahoma.
- Supporting community charities during the holiday season.
Their shared values—kindness, family, and humor—shine through in everything they do.
A Relationship That Inspires
Reba McEntire and Rex Linn have proven that love can flourish through mutual admiration and shared joy. Their connection, now five years strong, continues to inspire fans who see in them a partnership based on honesty, laughter, and respect.
Whether they’re attending red carpet events or spending quiet evenings at home, they embody what many describe as effortless companionship. Their relationship reminds fans that love, at its best, brings both peace and fun.
Reba McEntire and Rex Linn’s relationship remains one of entertainment’s most heartwarming stories—proof that real love can thrive at any age
