Reba McEntire doesn't do things halfway. Whether she’s commanding a stage in a red dress or judging hopeful singers on The Voice, she brings a specific kind of Oklahoma fire to everything she touches. But for a long time after her 2015 divorce from Narvel Blackstock—a split that genuinely rocked the country music world—fans wondered if the "Queen of Country" was done with romance for good. Then came Rex Linn. If you’ve been asking who is Reba’s boyfriend, the answer is a 6-foot-4 character actor with a personality every bit as big as Reba’s own.
It’s not just some fleeting Hollywood fling.
They’ve been together since 2020, surviving the strange pressure cooker of a global pandemic right at the start of their relationship. Honestly, it’s a bit of a "meant to be" situation that took decades to actually happen. They first met back in 1991 on the set of the movie The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw. Reba was the star; Rex was a working actor finding his footing. They stayed "coffee buddies" for nearly thirty years before the stars finally aligned.
The Man Behind the Name: Meet Rex Linn
Rex Linn isn't just "the guy on Reba’s arm." He’s a powerhouse actor in his own right. Most people recognize him immediately, even if they can't always place the name. He played Sergeant Frank Tripp on CSI: Miami for years, bringing a certain gruff, no-nonsense energy to the screen. More recently, he’s been a standout as Principal Petersen on Young Sheldon. He’s got this classic "Texas tough" vibe that pairs perfectly with Reba’s southern charm.
He was born in Texas but moved to Oklahoma as a kid, which gives him that shared cultural DNA with Reba. That matters. When you’re from that part of the country, there’s a shorthand. You don’t have to explain the importance of sweet tea, college football, or a solid work ethic. They just get each other.
How a Pandemic Sparked a Romance
The timeline of their relationship is actually pretty sweet. In January 2020, Reba went to dinner with Rex in Buffalo, New York, while she was there for a show. It was supposed to be a friendly catch-up. Then the world shut down.
✨ Don't miss: Chrissy Lampkin: Why Her Real Age is the Least Interesting Thing About Her
Instead of letting the connection fizzle, they started "coffee dating" virtually. They’d talk on the phone for hours. They’d FaceTime while drinking their morning coffee. For a woman who had spent decades under the microscope of fame, this was a rare chance to actually talk to someone without the distractions of red carpets or tour schedules. By the time they actually saw each other in person again that June, the foundation was already solid.
Why This Relationship Is Different for Reba
Reba has been open about the fact that her divorce was not her idea. It was a massive life upheaval that forced her to take control of her own business affairs for the first time in years. Finding Rex wasn't just about finding a partner; it was about finding an equal.
They call each other "Sugar Tot" and "Tater Tot." Yeah, it’s a little cheesy. But after everything she’s been through, she deserves a little cheese.
What’s really interesting is how they’ve integrated their professional lives. Rex appeared on Reba’s sitcom Reba (briefly) years ago, but now they are a package deal. He joined her on the hit show Big Sky, playing her husband, Buck Barnes. Watching them play a married couple on screen—especially one with some dark secrets—was a treat for fans. They also worked together on the Lifetime movie The Hammer.
Working with a partner can be a nightmare for some couples. For Reba and Rex? They seem to thrive on it. They run lines together, travel together, and support each other's grueling schedules.
🔗 Read more: Charlie McDermott Married Life: What Most People Get Wrong About The Middle Star
Dealing with the Rumor Mill
Of course, when you’re as famous as Reba McEntire, people are always looking for a "happily ever after" in the form of a wedding ring. The tabloids have "married" them off at least a dozen times in the last three years.
Are they married? No.
Do they plan to be? Reba has been somewhat coy about it. She’s said in interviews that "the ace is in the hole," implying that while they haven't walked down the aisle, they are fully committed. At this stage of life—Reba is in her late 60s—the legal document matters a lot less than the actual companionship. They live together, they work together, and they clearly adore each other.
The Impact of Rex on Reba's Modern Era
If you look at Reba’s energy lately, there’s a visible spark. She’s taking risks. She joined The Voice as a coach, she’s launching new business ventures, and she’s more active on social media than ever. Much of that seems tied to the stability she has at home.
Rex is often seen in the wings of her performances, cheering her on like a superfan. He isn't intimidated by her success. In fact, he seems to revel in it. That’s a big deal in the entertainment industry, where egos often clash.
💡 You might also like: Charlie Kirk's Kids: How Old They Are and What Really Happened
A Partnership Built on Shared Roots
One of the most authentic parts of their bond is their love for the outdoors and their Oklahoma/Texas heritage. You won’t always find them at fancy Hollywood parties. You’re more likely to see them at a ranch, attending a rodeo, or just hanging out with family. This groundedness is likely why they’ve lasted while so many other celebrity couples crumble under the pressure of the spotlight.
They also share a goofy sense of humor. If you follow Reba on Instagram, you’ll see Rex popping up in funny videos or wearing matching outfits. It’s refreshing to see a legendary icon not take herself too seriously.
What We Can Learn From the "Tater Tots"
There is a real takeaway here for anyone watching their journey. It’s never too late for a second (or third) act. Reba thought her romantic life might be over after her marriage ended. Instead, she found someone who had been right there in her circle for thirty years.
It’s a reminder that sometimes the best relationships aren't the ones that start with a lightning bolt of drama, but the ones that simmer over time until the moment is right.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you're following the Reba and Rex journey, here is how you can stay updated and support their work:
- Watch "Big Sky" Season 3: To see their on-screen chemistry, check out their roles as Buck and Sunny Barnes. It’s the best evidence of how well they work together.
- Follow the "Social" Rex: Rex Linn is surprisingly active on social media and often posts behind-the-scenes glimpses of life with Reba that you won't see on her official channels.
- Check out "The Hammer": This Lifetime movie is based on a real-life judge, and seeing Rex and Reba share the screen in a more grounded setting is a must for fans.
- Don't Believe Every Tabloid: Unless Reba posts a photo of a ring herself, take the "secret wedding" rumors with a grain of salt. They are happy exactly as they are.
The story of Reba and Rex is still being written. Whether they ever decide to make it "legal" or not, it’s clear that Rex Linn is the partner Reba needs for this chapter of her legendary career. He provides the support, the laughs, and the "Tater Tot" energy that keeps the Queen of Country smiling.