It turns out that country music royalty Reba McEntire and actor Rex Linn have been keeping a big secret — and it was only subtly revealed under the bright lights of the Emmy Awards in September. Fans were thrilled when Reba appeared on the red carpet wearing what many assumed was a new engagement ring. But according to new reports, the couple has actually been secretly engaged for much longer than anyone knew — possibly for several years.
The revelation came during a backstage interview when Reba, ever the picture of humor and honesty, was asked about her “recent engagement.” She smiled and simply said,
“Well, let’s just say it’s not that recent.”
The crowd laughed — but those close to the couple knew what she meant. Sources later confirmed that Reba and Rex quietly got engaged long before they decided to share the news publicly, choosing to keep the milestone private as they built their life together away from the spotlight.
Their love story has become one of country music’s most cherished. The two first met decades ago while working on the TV show The Gambler Returns and reconnected in 2020, bonding over shared humor, faith, and a deep understanding of what it means to love after loss. Since then, fans have adored their easy affection — calling them “the happiest couple in Nashville.”
Reba has often spoken about how Rex brought joy and peace into her life after years of heartache.
“He makes me laugh every day,” she said in a recent interview. “He’s my best friend, my partner, and the love of my life.”
Insiders say the couple’s decision to go public now wasn’t about fame — it was about gratitude. After five years of companionship, shared projects, and countless red-carpet smiles, they simply felt ready to let the world in on their happiness.
And for fans who have followed Reba’s journey — from heartache to healing, from solo strength to shared laughter — this quiet, long-kept secret feels perfectly fitting.
It’s the kind of love story Reba has sung about her whole life — not loud or flashy, but real, enduring, and rooted in something deeper than fame.
Now that the secret is out, one thing’s for sure: Reba and Rex’s love isn’t just new — it’s timeless.