In a world where celebrity weddings often explode into extravagant spectacles of designer gowns, A-list guest lists, and paparazzi frenzies, Reba McEntire is flipping the script with a refreshingly grounded approach that’s got fans swooning and hearts melting. The 70-year-old country music legend, fresh off her engaging performance on Happy’s Place and a whirlwind year of accolades, sat down for an exclusive chat with E! News on November 3, 2025, where she spilled the beans on her upcoming nuptials to longtime love Rex Linn. “It’ll be a lot of fun,” Reba gushed, her signature Oklahoma twang laced with pure joy. “It’s gonna be a nontraditional wedding because that’s Rex and me. We like comfort, we love friends, we love food.” No stuffy ballrooms or rigid protocols here—just a celebration that’s as authentic and down-home as Reba’s greatest hits. As the couple savors their “engagement era” without a set date, this revelation has ignited a firestorm of excitement, proving that true love at any age shines brightest when it’s simple, sincere, and soaked in Southern charm.

Reba’s love story with Rex Linn is the stuff of rom-com dreams, a tale that began over three decades ago and blossomed into something timeless amid the chaos of 2020. The pair first crossed paths in 1991 on the set of the TV movie The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw, where Reba starred as the fierce Burgundy Jones and Rex made a memorable cameo. Sparks didn’t fly immediately—they were both navigating their own lives—but fate had a playlist in mind. Fast-forward to the pandemic lockdown, when Reba, grieving the loss of her mother Jacqueline in March 2020 and isolated like the rest of the world, reconnected with Rex over Zoom calls they dubbed “coffee camp.” What started as friendly check-ins turned flirty, with Rex’s hearty laugh and Reba’s infectious energy bridging the miles. By January 2020, they were officially dating, nicknaming themselves “Tots” (as in tater tots, because why not?). “He gets a big kick out of it,” Reba recalled on Today in 2023, beaming about their quirky bond.

Their romance has been a masterclass in mature love—supportive, playful, and unapologetically real. Rex, a 68-year-old actor known for roles in CSI: Miami and Young Sheldon, has been Reba’s rock through thick and thin. They’ve leaned on each other during tough times, from family losses to career highs. Fans adore their PDA-filled red carpets, like the 2025 Emmys where their engagement accidentally slipped out, or their joint appearances on Reba’s podcast Living & Learning. Now, co-starring as love interests on NBC’s Happy’s Place—Reba as tavern owner Bobbie and Rex as cook Emmett—their chemistry is electric both on and off screen. “We’re just enjoying our engagement and enjoy going to Happy’s Place every day,” Rex told E! News, emphasizing their no-rush vibe.

The proposal itself? Pure holiday magic. On Christmas Eve 2024, during a serene walk on their 130-acre ranch outside Nashville near a babbling creek, Rex got down on one knee with a stunning rose gold ring encircled by black diamonds—a unique sparkler he picked out in early 2024 and carried on their African safari adventure in June. “It just sparkles,” Reba raved to NBC Insider, her eyes lighting up at the memory. The news broke publicly in September 2025, but Reba had been glowing with the secret for months. “I totally was thrilled to death,” she told People, adding that Rex wanted to “have fun with the engagement time” before diving into planning.

What makes this “nontraditional” wedding so tantalizing? Reba’s vision is a far cry from her previous unions—first to Charlie Battles (1976-1987) and then to Narvel Blackstock (1989-2015), with whom she shares son Shelby. No over-the-top glamour like her Fancy music video; instead, it’s all about the essentials that make life sweet. Comfort reigns supreme—think cozy venues, perhaps their Nashville ranch or a rustic Oklahoma spot nodding to Reba’s roots. Friends will be the VIPs: a tight-knit crew of family, industry pals, and maybe a surprise cameo from Dolly Parton, who reportedly encouraged Rex to pop the question. Food? Expect Southern soul food heaven—fried chicken, biscuits, mac ‘n’ cheese, and Reba’s famous tater tot casseroles, because as she puts it, “We love food.”

This simplicity isn’t just practical; it’s profoundly Reba. At 70, the icon is “happier now than I’ve ever been in my life,” she confessed to People. “I’m 70 years old, 50 years in the business. God saved the best for last.” Her journey to this bliss has been a rollercoaster of triumphs and trials. Born March 28, 1955, in McAlester, Oklahoma, Reba grew up on a 7,000-acre cattle ranch, singing in the Kiowa High School band and performing at rodeos with her siblings as the Singing McEntires. Her big break came in 1975 when she sang the national anthem at the National Finals Rodeo, catching the eye of Red Steagall. Signing with Mercury Records, her debut single “I Don’t Want to Be a One Night Stand” hit in 1976, but it was 1984’s My Kind of Country that exploded with hits like “How Blue” and “Somebody Should Leave.”

Reba’s empire is legendary: 25 No. 1 singles, over 75 million records sold, three Grammys, and inductions into the Country Music Hall of Fame (2011) and Grand Ole Opry (1986). She’s conquered Broadway (Annie Get Your Gun), TV (Reba sitcom, The Voice coach), and film (Tremors). Her resilience shines through personal storms— the 1991 plane crash that killed eight band members, two divorces, and health scares. Yet, she’s emerged stronger, channeling pain into anthems like “Is There Life Out There” and “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia.”

Philanthropy is Reba’s heartbeat. Through the Reba McEntire Foundation, she’s raised millions for hunger relief, disaster aid, and children’s causes. Her love for animals? Evident in her Oklahoma ranch sanctuary. Rex shares this giving spirit; together, they’re a power couple of kindness. Their wedding will likely spotlight charity—perhaps donations over gifts, or a nod to causes close to home.

Fan reactions? Explosive. X (formerly Twitter) lit up post-reveal: #RebaWedding trending with 1.2 million posts in 24 hours. “Reba deserving this joy? YES! Comfort over couture queen,” tweeted @RebaFanatic. Memes of Reba in jeans and boots at the altar went viral, while TikToks recreated their “coffee camp” dates hit 5 million views. E! News’ clip of the interview garnered 2.8 million views, with comments like “This is the mature love we need!”

Insiders whisper details: A possible spring 2026 date for blooming wildflowers; live music from Reba’s band (maybe a duet with Rex?); casual attire—cowboy boots mandatory. No bridezilla vibes; Reba’s team says she’s “hands-off,” letting joy unfold. Rex, ever the romantic, adds, “I’ve never been loved by a man like Rex Linn. He’s a very tender-hearted man.”

Broader appeal? In an era of fleeting celeb romances, Reba and Rex prove love endures. Their story inspires boomers and Gen Z alike—rediscovering joy later in life, prioritizing substance over show. As Happy’s Place Season 2 premieres, their on-screen flirtations mirror real life, boosting ratings 15%.

What could the day look like? Imagine: Sunset vows under oak trees, Reba in a flowing boho gown with turquoise accents (her fave color), Rex in a sharp vest and Stetson. Cocktail hour with signature “Tots” drinks—spicy margaritas. Dinner: BBQ spreads, cornbread, and peach cobbler. Dancing to Reba classics, ending with fireworks over the creek.

Challenges? Age-gap whispers (she’s two years older) or blending families—Reba’s son Shelby, Rex’s kids from prior relationships. But they’ve navigated it with grace. “Rex is a good guy,” Reba beams.

As 2025 holidays approach, Reba’s prepping her Christmas album re-release and The Voice return. But wedding buzz dominates. “Nontraditional” doesn’t mean boring—it means iconic. This isn’t just a wedding; it’s a celebration of second chances, laughter, and love that feels like home.

Reba’s message to fans? Embrace your weird, keep it real. As she belts in “I’m a Survivor,” she’s living proof. When that big day comes, it’ll be the country event of the decade—simple, soulful, and utterly unforgettable. Stay tuned; the best is yet to come.