Reba McEntire is done with the "piece of paper" argument. For years, the Queen of Country hinted that she didn't really need another marriage certificate to prove her devotion to actor Rex Linn. She’d been there, done that, and had the divorces to prove it. But things change. Honestly, life has a funny way of circling back.
In late 2025, the world finally got the confirmation it was looking for: Reba and her "Sugar Tot" are officially engaged. The Reba McEntire wedding isn't just a rumor anymore; it's a scheduled celebration of what she calls "God saving the best for last."
The Proposal That Almost Didn't Happen
Rex Linn is a romantic, but he’s also apparently a bit of a perfectionist. He originally planned to pop the question during a safari in Africa. Can you imagine? The "CSI: Miami" star waiting for the perfect sunset over the savannah, ring in pocket, only to realize the moment just wasn't "right."
He held onto that ring. He waited.
Finally, on Christmas Eve 2024, back home on their Tennessee ranch, he took Reba for a walk by their favorite creek. No lions, no zebras, just them. He got down on one knee in the dirt and asked her to "cross the finish line" with him.
She didn't say anything for about 21 seconds.
Rex was convinced he was going to have to jump in the creek out of embarrassment. Then, the dam broke. She didn't just say yes; she said it three times.
Why the Reba McEntire Wedding Is "Nontraditional"
If you’re expecting a stiff, black-tie gala at a cathedral, you don't know Reba. She’s already been through the massive industry weddings. This time, the vibe is strictly "comfort and fried chicken."
The couple has been vocal about wanting a party that feels like a backyard hang. They love food. They love their friends. Basically, they want a wedding where people actually want to stay until the end.
- The Guest List: Expect heavy hitters like Dolly Parton (who reportedly nudged them toward the altar), Kelly Clarkson, and the cast of their sitcom Happy’s Place.
- The Food: Forget the tiny hors d'oeuvres. We’re talking biscuits, gravy, and probably a tater tot bar.
- The Dress: While she hasn't leaked the design, she’s emphasized "comfort." Don't be surprised if there are boots under that hemline.
A Timeline of the "Sugar Tot" Romance
Most people think they just met recently, but Reba and Rex have actually known each other since 1991. They met on the set of the Kenny Rogers movie The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw.
👉 See also: Siew Pui Yi Porn: The Truth About Her Career Pivot and Digital Legacy
They stayed "whiskey friends" for thirty years.
It wasn't until 2020, during the height of the pandemic, that the spark turned into a wildfire. When Reba’s mother passed away, Rex called to check on her. They started "dating" over FaceTime and coffee. They built a foundation of talking before they ever got physical.
By the time they reconnected in person in June 2020, it was over. They were inseparable.
Addressing the "Piece of Paper" Misconception
For a long time, fans were confused because Reba told Andy Cohen on Watch What Happens Live that she wasn't sure about marrying again. "I've been married twice. He's never been married," she said back then. She felt that if he wanted to do it, she’d be open to it, but she didn't need it.
So, what changed?
👉 See also: What Really Happened With Sylvia Browne Death Cause
Rex Linn had never been married before. That's a huge detail people miss. For Reba, this wedding is about giving the man she loves that experience, but it’s also about her own realization that she’s never been loved quite like this.
She’s 70. He’s 68. They’re acting together on Happy's Place, living together in Nashville, and they even share a nickname for their favorite snack: Tater Tots.
What We Know About the Date
Don't go booking flights to Nashville just yet. As of early 2026, a specific date hasn't been blasted on a Jumbotron. Rex jokingly told reporters that Reba is so busy coaching on The Voice and filming her sitcom that she only has "13 free days" in all of 2026.
They are in the "engagement era," and they’re soaking it up.
There's no rush. When you've waited 30 years to realize the person you were looking for was right there the whole time, a few more months of planning doesn't seem like much.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you're following the journey of the Reba McEntire wedding, here is how to stay in the loop without falling for the tabloid clickbait:
- Watch "Happy's Place" on NBC: Their chemistry on screen is basically a weekly preview of their real-life dynamic.
- Follow the Tater Tots: Their Instagrams are the most reliable source for real updates. If there’s a major announcement, it’ll likely come with a photo of them at a Sonic drive-in.
- Ignore the "Secret Wedding" Rumors: Every time they wear a ring on a red carpet, the internet explodes. Until they announce it, assume they’re just enjoying the "fiancé" title.
- Look for Tennessee Venues: While Reba sold her famous "Cherokee Dock" estate years ago (which is now a wedding venue itself), insiders suggest they’ll keep the actual ceremony on their private ranch to keep the paparazzi at bay.
The beauty of this story isn't just the celebrity status. It’s the idea that you can find the love of your life at 65 and decide to start over. It's a reminder that the "finish line" is a lot more fun when you’re running toward it with your best friend.