Copyright Us Weekly
Planning a dream wedding is easier said than done for music superstar Reba McEntire. “Wedding planning is impossible because of scheduling,” McEntire, 70, exclusively shared with Us Weekly at the 2025 Paley Honors Fall Gala on Monday, November 10. “We’re like, ‘Well, we want it this month, but if work comes up, we’ll be there for work, and then we’ll go get married later.’” The Voice coach added, “Work comes first, in other words.” Back in September, the country singer confirmed she was engaged to Rex Linn while walking the red carpet at the 2025 Emmys. She later revealed that the romantic proposal occurred on Christmas Eve, meaning the engagement was kept under wraps for nearly 10 months. “We were going to announce it as soon as we got engaged, but the fires happened here in Los Angeles. It was not the right time,” McEntire explained to Us at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. “It never really presented itself until we went to the Emmys. It just kind of happened.” In her 2023 book, Not That Fancy, McEntire recalled her immediate connection to Linn, 68, after meeting in 1991 while filming The Gambler Returns. The pair wouldn’t start dating until 2020 after their paths crossed again on Young Sheldon. “We instantly bonded over living in Oklahoma and our love for horses and acting,” she wrote in her book. “He made me laugh, and we became good buddies.” On Monday night, Linn was on hand to celebrate McEntire being honored with the Entertainment Icon award. Before accepting the honor, the Happy’s Place actress reflected on what the title meant to her. “It’s very, very humbling, and I feel really good about it,” she shared. “I’m just very glad to be here to recognize the folks and all the work that the Paley Center does.” While on the red carpet, McEntire also teased some of the many projects she is working on before the year comes to a joyful end. For starters, fans can expect more guest stars in her hit NBC comedy. “I would say it will be very exciting,” she teased about Happy’s Place upcoming episodes. “[Viewers are] going to be asking a lot of questions about what’s going to happen next, and they better just buckle up, buttercup, because it’s very exciting.” In January 2026, McEntire will also release the 30th anniversary vinyl of Starting Over, which features a few new songs. “They didn’t make it the first time, and I still love them, and I wanted to put them out,” she said. “That album was not released as a vinyl, and so this time it is. Vinyls are very popular right now. The CDs and the cassettes are coming back. Everybody loves them, and I’m thrilled. I love the nostalgic part of vinyl.” Through all the projects and rewarding work, McEntire is also making it a priority to enjoy the present. When asked what it’s like to be a fiancée, the country singer confirmed life is so good. “I’m enjoying it tremendously,” she said. “Got my ring on tonight. Got a ring on my finger. Yeah, I’m loving it.”
