In the dazzling whirlwind of Hollywood’s award season, where dreams are made and hearts are won, the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles became an unforgettable night for country music icon Reba McEntire. The 70-year-old legend, known as the Queen of Country, not only graced the stage with a heartfelt tribute to the beloved sitcom “The Golden Girls” but also confirmed her engagement to longtime partner Rex Linn, sending fans into a frenzy of joy and celebration. As the lights twinkled on the red carpet and the audience buzzed with anticipation, Reba and Rex’s announcement marked a personal milestone that intertwined beautifully with the evening’s themes of friendship, legacy, and enduring love.
The evening began with the glitz and glamour typical of the Emmys, hosted by comedian Nate Bargatze, who kept the crowd laughing with his witty takes on television’s evolution. Celebrities from across the industry— from streaming stars to sitcom veterans—strutted their stuff, but it was Reba who captured the spotlight in more ways than one. Dressed in a stunning emerald green gown that evoked the vibrant spirit of Oklahoma’s rolling hills, Reba arrived arm-in-arm with Rex, the 68-year-old actor best known for his booming voice and memorable roles in shows like “Young Sheldon” and the upcoming “Happy’s Place.” The couple, who have been a fixture in each other’s lives since reconnecting in 2020, exuded an effortless chemistry that turned heads and sparked whispers among onlookers.
It was during a lively red carpet interview with E! News correspondent Zuri Hall that the engagement news broke like a surprise encore. When Hall referred to Rex as Reba’s fiancé, the pair didn’t skip a beat. Reba, with her signature warm smile and sparkling eyes, simply nodded and beamed, while Rex wrapped an arm around her waist, his face lighting up with pride. “We’re having a blast on ‘Happy’s Place’ and so glad to be here tonight,” Reba replied coyly, her Southern drawl adding a layer of charm to the moment. Sources close to the couple later revealed that the proposal had happened a few months earlier, in a private, intimate setting that reflected their down-to-earth romance. “It happened a few months ago, and they are very happy,” an insider shared, emphasizing how the engagement felt like the natural next step after five years of unwavering companionship.
For Reba, this engagement comes after a life filled with triumphs and trials in the realm of love. The country superstar has been married twice before—first to Charlie Battles in the 1970s, a rodeo cowboy who shared her passion for the Western lifestyle, and later to Narvel Blackstock from 1989 to 2015, with whom she built a music empire and raised a blended family. After her second divorce, Reba had openly admitted to losing faith in the institution of marriage, once telling interviewers, “After the second one dissolved, I don’t have much faith in being bound by a piece of paper or a ring.” Yet, her connection with Rex changed everything. “I’m truly committed to Rex,” she had said earlier this year. “If that’s something he feels totally strong about, that’s fine with me. He’s never been married before, so if he wants to experience that, I’m OK with that.” Rex, a lifelong bachelor until now, brought a fresh perspective to Reba’s world, proving that love could bloom anew even after decades in the spotlight.
Their story is one of serendipity and second chances. Reba and Rex first crossed paths back in 1991 on the set of the TV movie “The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw.” Rex had a small but memorable role, riding into a saloon on a young colt and yelling “Yeehaw!” before galloping out—a moment that still makes Reba chuckle. They stayed in touch sporadically over the years, but it wasn’t until January 2020, when they reconnected while filming “Young Sheldon,” that sparks truly flew. The COVID-19 pandemic tested their budding romance; they couldn’t see each other from January until June 16 due to protocols, but daily phone calls kept the flame alive. “In 2020, when Mama got sick, he called me,” Reba recalled in a 2021 interview. “We’d gotten to see each other before because we’re both on ‘Young Sheldon.’ So starting in March of 2020, we just kept talking and visiting and finally got together in June. And we’ve been pretty much inseparable ever since.”
What started as a friendship deepened into a profound partnership. They bonded over shared loves: the cowboy way of life, University of Texas Longhorns football, cooking (Rex is the chef in the relationship), and a mutual appreciation for humor and humility. Reba often praises Rex’s wit, saying, “He makes me laugh. He is a very caring, down-to-earth, funny individual. He’s got a very witty sense of humor.” Together, they’ve navigated challenges, including battling COVID-19 side by side and supporting each other through personal losses. Tragically, just weeks before the Emmys, Reba mourned the passing of her stepson, Brandon Blackstock—son of her ex-husband Narvel and ex-husband of singer Kelly Clarkson—who lost his battle with melanoma after three years. “Last week, my stepson/oldest son Brandon Blackstock went home to be with God,” Reba posted on Instagram. “His struggle is over and he is in eternal peace in God’s presence. There is no one else like him, and I’m thankful for the time we had together.” Rex was by her side through the grief, a steadfast presence that underscored their bond.
As the Emmys unfolded inside the theater, the engagement buzz only grew. But Reba’s performance stole the show in its own right. The evening featured a special segment honoring the 40th anniversary of “The Golden Girls,” the groundbreaking NBC sitcom that premiered in 1985 and ran for seven seasons, captivating audiences with its witty portrayal of four women navigating life, love, and friendship in their golden years. The show, starring Beatrice Arthur as Dorothy, Betty White as Rose, Rue McClanahan as Blanche, and Estelle Getty as Sophia, won 11 Emmys, including Outstanding Comedy Series twice, and remains a cultural touchstone for its humor, heart, and unapologetic take on aging and womanhood.
Introduced by host Nate Bargatze as “an instant classic… a little edgier than people might remember,” the tribute brought Reba back onstage, this time joined by the harmonious voices of Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman. The trio, dressed in elegant black attire that paid homage to the show’s timeless style, performed the iconic theme song, “Thank You for Being a Friend,” originally written by Andrew Gold and made famous by Cynthia Fee. As the curtain rose to reveal a recreated set from the series—complete with the familiar lanai and cheesecake references—the audience erupted in applause. Reba, taking center stage, pointed to a large photo of the four Golden Girls hanging on the wall and declared, “Singing it for the girls.” Her powerful, emotive voice led the way, blending country twang with the song’s folksy melody, while Fairchild and Schlapman added rich harmonies that evoked the warmth of old friends gathering.
The performance was more than a nostalgic nod; it was a celebration of enduring bonds, mirroring Reba’s own life journey. As she sang lines like “Thank you for being a friend / Traveled down the road and back again / Your heart is true, you’re a pal and a confidant,” the camera panned to celebrities in the audience snapping along—Sarah Paulson with peppy enthusiasm, Jessica Williams and Michael Urie belting out the words, even Colin Farrell nodding in approval. Connie Britton, usually glued to her phone, couldn’t hide her smile. The tribute seamlessly transitioned into presenting the award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, which went to Hannah Einbinder for “Hacks,” tying the evening’s themes together perfectly.
Social media exploded in the wake of the performance and announcement. Fans flooded platforms with heart emojis and congratulations, one tweeting, “Reba McEntire confirming her engagement AND singing ‘Thank You for Being a Friend’ at the Emmys? Iconic doesn’t even cover it!” Another gushed, “From ‘The Golden Girls’ tribute to engagement news—Reba is living her best life. Congrats to her and Rex!” Clips of the red carpet moment and the stage performance racked up millions of views, trending under hashtags like #RebaEngaged and #GoldenGirls40. For country music lovers, it was a proud moment seeing Reba bridge genres, bringing her roots to a mainstream audience while honoring a show that’s as timeless as her hits like “Fancy” and “I’m a Survivor.”
Looking ahead, the engagement opens exciting chapters for the couple. They’re set to star together in Season 2 of NBC’s “Happy’s Place,” premiering November 7, 2025, where their on-screen chemistry will undoubtedly sizzle with real-life romance. Reba is also returning as a coach on Season 28 of “The Voice,” alongside Niall Horan, Snoop Dogg, and Michael Bublé, aiming for another win after her team’s triumph in Season 25. And with wedding bells on the horizon, fans speculate about a ceremony that might blend Reba’s Oklahoma heritage with Rex’s Texas flair—perhaps a ranch-side affair with live music and plenty of laughter.
Reba McEntire’s night at the 2025 Emmys wasn’t just about awards or accolades; it was a testament to resilience, friendship, and the kind of love that defies odds. From the red carpet revelation to the stage serenade, she reminded everyone that life, like a great country song, is full of twists, turns, and happy endings. As she and Rex step into this new phase, hand in hand, the world can’t help but thank them for being such a shining example of happily ever after. In the words of her tribute, they’ve got friends to thank—and a future to celebrate.
