Reba McEntire Sets the Record Straight on Engagement During ‘Today’ Show Chat with Savannah Guthrie

Reba McEntire made a memorable appearance on NBC’s Today show, where a lighthearted exchange about her personal life added an unexpected twist to her promotion of the upcoming second season of her sitcom Happy’s Place. The country music icon, joined by her fiancé Rex Linn, who costars in the series, fielded questions from co-anchor Savannah Guthrie. In a moment that drew smiles from the studio audience, Guthrie referred to Linn as McEntire’s husband, prompting the star to gently correct the record with her signature wit.

“Now, wait a minute,” McEntire said, her tone playful yet firm. “Before everybody has a conniption fit at home, we’re just engaged.” She elaborated with a laugh, noting the potential backlash from her family: “My family will go, ‘Wait, you didn’t tell us?!’” Guthrie, quick to recover, issued a sincere apology for the mix-up, keeping the conversation flowing smoothly into discussions about the show.

The interview, which aired on December 1, 2025, highlighted McEntire’s enthusiasm for Happy’s Place, a workplace comedy set in a family-run bar that blends humor with themes of connection and second starts. McEntire plays Bobbi, a resilient bar owner navigating life after an unexpected inheritance, while Linn portrays her on-screen uncle. The duo’s real-life chemistry has become a highlight for viewers, and McEntire was quick to praise their collaboration. “He is a workaholic, and he loves to rehearse,” she shared. “We have a blast. We’re so grateful and thankful that we get to go to work together, work together, and then go home together.”

Reflecting on the evolution of the series, McEntire noted that season 2 promises even more depth now that she and Linn have grown closer off-screen. “It’s so much more fun now we know each other,” she said, contrasting it with the dynamics of the first season. The show’s renewal earlier in the year was met with widespread acclaim, positioning it as a fresh addition to McEntire’s diverse portfolio, which spans music, television, and now on-screen partnerships that mirror her personal milestones.

McEntire and Linn’s engagement, announced publicly in September 2025 after nearly a year of private celebration, traces back to a heartfelt proposal on Christmas Eve 2024. The timing of their reveal was deliberate and considerate, as McEntire explained during the Today appearance. The couple chose to hold off amid the devastating Los Angeles wildfires that gripped headlines earlier that year. “There was not room for our joy in that devastating situation that everybody else was in,” she recounted, underscoring a sense of communal empathy that has long defined her public persona.

Their story, however, began much earlier. The pair first crossed paths in the 1990s amid the bustling circles of Hollywood and Nashville, where Linn built a steady career in acting and McEntire solidified her status as a country music powerhouse. It wasn’t until 2020, during a challenging period marked by the illness of McEntire’s mother, Jacqueline, that their connection reignited. Linn reached out with a supportive call, a gesture that McEntire has often credited as the spark for their renewed bond. “In 2020, when Mama got sick, he called me,” she recalled. “And we’ve been pretty much inseparable ever since.” Jacqueline passed away later that year, leaving behind a legacy of strength that McEntire has honored through her work and philanthropy.

Five years into their relationship by the time of the engagement confirmation, McEntire and Linn have navigated the spotlight with a grounded approach. Linn, best known for his role as the no-nonsense Lieutenant Rick Guthrie on the long-running police drama Longmire, brings a depth of experience to their partnership. His filmography includes standout turns in CSI: Miami and Better Call Saul, where his commanding presence earned him a dedicated following. Yet, it’s his off-screen steadiness that McEntire frequently highlights, describing him as a partner who shares her appreciation for simple joys like shared meals and quiet evenings.

The Today slip-up wasn’t the first time their status has sparked clarification. At the 2025 Primetime Emmy Awards in September, a reporter casually referred to Linn as McEntire’s fiancé during a red-carpet chat. Rather than correct the record on the spot, McEntire let it slide with amusement. “It sounded good to me,” she admitted later, reflecting the easy confidence that permeates their dynamic. Such moments have endeared them to fans, who appreciate the authenticity in an industry often polished to perfection.

As for wedding plans, McEntire envisions a gathering that captures the essence of their lives together: relaxed, inclusive, and brimming with warmth. “Low-key, lots of fun, lots of people, lots of food,” she described, emphasizing a focus on enjoyment over extravagance. “Just have fun.” No firm date has been set, allowing the couple to savor the engagement phase amid their packed schedules. With Happy’s Place gearing up for production and McEntire’s ongoing commitments to touring and her podcast Living the Reba Life, the timeline remains flexible, a nod to the balanced life they’ve cultivated.

McEntire’s career trajectory offers a compelling backdrop to this chapter. Rising from her Oklahoma ranch roots in the 1970s, she burst onto the country scene with hits like “Fancy” and “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia,” amassing over 75 million albums sold worldwide. Her transition to television came naturally, with a starring role in the eponymous sitcom Reba from 2001 to 2007, which remains a syndication staple. More recently, she took the reins as host of The Voice in 2023, bringing her coaching prowess to a new generation of artists. Happy’s Place, developed by Kevin Abbott of Reba fame, feels like a homecoming, blending familiar humor with fresh narratives.

Linn’s path to the small screen was equally circuitous. Born in Texas and raised in the heartland, he initially pursued law before pivoting to acting in his 30s. His breakthrough came with a string of character roles that showcased his gravelly voice and imposing frame, but it was Longmire‘s rugged Wyoming setting that cemented his appeal among procedural fans. Transitioning to comedy with Happy’s Place has been a delightful shift, one that Linn attributes to McEntire’s infectious energy. “Working with Reba is like finding a co-pilot who knows every shortcut,” he quipped in a separate interview, hinting at the seamless blend of their professional and personal worlds.

The Today segment also touched on broader themes in McEntire’s life, including her resilience in the face of personal losses. The 2020 passing of her mother was a pivotal moment, not just for her relationship with Linn but for her creative output. It inspired episodes in Happy’s Place that explore family legacies and healing, resonating with audiences navigating their own transitions. McEntire has been vocal about the importance of support networks, often directing fans to resources like grief counseling through her foundation work.

Public response to the engagement news has been overwhelmingly positive, with social media lighting up in the weeks following the September reveal. Hashtags like #RebaAndRex trended briefly, accompanied by fan art, well-wishes, and nostalgic clips from McEntire’s music videos. One viral post captured a fan’s sentiment: “Reba deserves all the happiness—Rex is the luckiest guy in Nashville!” While the Today correction hasn’t yet sparked widespread memes, it’s already circulating in entertainment circles, praised for its light touch on a topic that could easily veer awkward.

Looking ahead, McEntire’s slate is as full as ever. Beyond Happy’s Place, she’s expanding her podcast, where episodes delve into everything from ranch life to red-carpet prep, often featuring Linn as a guest. A holiday special tied to her classic album The Last One to Know is in the works, promising festive tunes and behind-the-scenes stories. Linn, meanwhile, has lined up voiceover gigs and a guest spot on an upcoming Netflix series, balancing his schedule to align with McEntire’s travels.

Their story also intersects with Hollywood’s evolving landscape for mature romances. In an era where age-gap narratives dominate headlines, McEntire and Linn—both in their 70s—represent a refreshing counterpoint: a partnership built on mutual respect and shared history, free from the pressures of youth-driven tropes. Industry observers note this as part of a broader shift, with shows like Happy’s Place championing stories of reinvention at any stage.

McEntire’s Oklahoma heritage remains a cornerstone, influencing her grounded outlook. Raised on a working cattle ranch as the eldest of four children, she learned early the values of hard work and community. Her father, Claude, a world champion steer roper, instilled a competitive spirit that carried her through decades in the music business. Today, she returns to the family spread whenever possible, often with Linn in tow, introducing him to the rhythms of ranch life—from cattle drives to holiday branding parties.

Linn, no stranger to rural roots, adapts seamlessly. His Texas upbringing included stints on family farms, and he’s shared anecdotes of bonding with McEntire over barbecue recipes and horseback rides. These shared touchstones have deepened their connection, turning everyday moments into cherished rituals. “It’s the little things that make the big picture,” McEntire reflected in a recent podcast episode, a philosophy that extends to their approach to fame.

As Happy’s Place prepares to roll out new episodes, anticipation builds for storylines that may draw from the couple’s real-life harmony. Producers have teased expanded roles for supporting characters, including arcs that explore mentorship and found family—hallmarks of McEntire’s storytelling. Casting announcements hint at surprise cameos from her Reba alumni, promising nostalgic nods for longtime fans.

The entertainment world continues to celebrate McEntire’s versatility. Her 2024 induction into the Television Academy Hall of Fame underscored her impact, with tributes from peers like Dolly Parton and Blake Shelton. Parton, a longtime friend, sent a congratulatory basket upon the engagement news, complete with monogrammed linens and a note: “To the happiest couple in country—may your days be as bright as your songs.” Such gestures highlight the tight-knit community that has buoyed McEntire through highs and lows.

In the wake of the Today interview, McEntire took to social media with a teaser clip, captioning it: “Just keeping everyone on their toes! Grateful for the laughs and the love. Season 2 coming soon—get ready!” The post garnered thousands of likes within hours, with comments flooding in from fans eager for more glimpses into her world. Linn chimed in with a heart emoji, a subtle affirmation of their united front.

Broader conversations around celebrity engagements often touch on privacy in the digital age, and McEntire’s measured reveal exemplifies a thoughtful navigation. By waiting out the wildfires—a crisis that displaced thousands and tested California’s resilience—she modeled a deference to collective hardship. Fire officials later commended such gestures, noting how they foster unity in recovery efforts. McEntire’s involvement with relief funds, including a benefit concert that raised over $500,000, further cements her role as a community anchor.

As December 2025 unfolds, with holiday lights twinkling across Nashville and New York, McEntire and Linn embody a season of quiet celebration. Their engagement ring—a simple gold band etched with musical notes—serves as a daily reminder of commitments forged in tenderness. Friends close to the couple whisper of potential nuptials in spring, perhaps at the ranch under blooming dogwoods, but McEntire demurs: “When the time’s right, you’ll know.”

Reba McEntire’s journey from stage to screen, from solo stardom to shared spotlight, continues to inspire. The Today moment, far from a misstep, became a charming footnote in a narrative of enduring affection. As fans tune in for Happy’s Place, they’ll find not just laughs, but a reflection of life’s sweetest surprises—proof that love, like a good country ballad, gets better with time.