Reba McEntire at 70: Happier Than Ever
Reba McEntire on the red carpet at Celebrity Fight Night XXV at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Phoenix, Arizona, March 2019. Photo courtesy of Gage Skidmore under CC BY-SA 2.0.
Reba McEntire is rewriting the rules of what it means to thrive at 70. The country music legend, who rose from rodeo cowgirl roots in Oklahoma to become a household name, is now living her most joyful chapter yet. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, McEntire reveals she has never been happier or more fulfilled both personally and professionally. With fiancé Rex Linn by her side and starring in two major TV projects this fall, Reba is embracing a new era that blends nostalgia, delight, and a fresh sense of purpose.
From Rodeo Cowgirl to Country Icon
Growing up in McAlester, Oklahoma, Reba McEntire never imagined the heights her career would reach. From signing her first record deal in 1975 to selling 75 million albums and winning three Grammys, her journey has been nothing short of legendary. Yet, despite decades of fame and success, McEntire says this season of life feels like her happiest yet.
Her rise to stardom was marked by a blend of raw talent and relentless determination. The country diva's early years as a rodeo cowgirl shaped her resilient spirit, which has carried her through the ups and downs of show business. Now, at 70, she reflects on how far she has come with a sense of gratitude and contentment that few achieve.
A Love Story Years in the Making
The heart of Reba's newfound happiness is her relationship with Rex Linn, her fiancé and co-star on the sitcom "Happy's Place." Their story is one of rekindled friendship turned romance. The pair first met on the set of "The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw" in 1991 but only began dating nearly three decades later, in 2020.
During the pandemic, their connection deepened through daily FaceTime calls they affectionately dubbed "Coffee Camp," a ritual that helped them build a strong bond without physical contact, as reported by Whiskey Riff. This slow-burning romance blossomed into a perfect union, with McEntire describing Linn as "tender-hearted" and "bashful," as reported by PEOPLE, a stark contrast to her previous relationships.
Their engagement, announced in September, caps a love story that feels both timeless and fresh. McEntire admits she has "never been loved by a man" like this before, as reported by PEOPLE, a subtle but pointed contrast to her past marriages, which ended in divorce. With Linn, she has found a partner who shares her passions — from their love of the cowboy lifestyle to their mutual respect for the entertainment industry.
Balancing Stardom and Personal Joy
This fall, Reba is not just basking in love; she's also lighting up screens in two major TV projects. She returns for her fourth season as a coach on "The Voice" and stars in the second season of "Happy's Place," which premieres on November 7. Her enthusiasm for these roles is palpable, fueled by curiosity and a desire to keep pushing creatively.
On "The Voice," McEntire marvels at the talent the show continues to discover and enjoys the camaraderie with fellow coaches Michael Bublé, Niall Horan, and Snoop Dogg. McEntire revealed that the group even shares a pre-show prayer ritual, initiated by Snoop, highlighting the unique blend of personalities that make the show a hit.
Meanwhile, "Happy's Place" feels like home to McEntire. Working alongside Linn, Melissa Peterman, and Belissa Escobedo, she describes the set as a tight-knit family where fun and creativity flow naturally. The show also reunites her with JoAnna Garcia Swisher, who played her daughter on the hit series "Reba," adding a nostalgic touch to the new season.
A New Chapter of Contentment and Wisdom
Reba's outlook on life has evolved with age. She no longer stresses over "the little stuff or the big stuff," as reported by PEOPLE. Instead, she embraces a philosophy of living fully in the moment, a lesson she admits has been hard to learn but deeply rewarding.
She challenges the notion that contentment means complacency, explaining that while she is content, she still strives to improve her health and craft. Her advice to aspiring artists and fans alike is simple: "enjoy every minute," as reported by PEOPLE.
Retirement is not on her immediate horizon. McEntire shares that she might slow down someday, but for now, she's inspired by Dolly Parton's example of continuing to work because it brings joy and fulfillment. The idea of stepping away from the spotlight feels premature when there is still so much to do and enjoy.
The Shadow of Past Relationships
While Reba's current romance shines brightly, it also casts a shadow on her past. Her candid remarks about never being loved like this before perhaps serve as a subtle dig at her ex-husbands, Charlie Battles and Narvel Blackstock, both of whom had tumultuous relationships with the star.
Battles, her first husband, reportedly struggled with jealousy as McEntire's career took off, leading to a bitter divorce, as reported by The List. Her second marriage to Blackstock lasted longer but ended in 2015, with both moving on quickly afterward. Despite the challenges, McEntire has maintained a focus on growth and happiness, proving that love and success can come at any stage of life.
A Life Fully Embraced
Reba McEntire's story is one of resilience, reinvention, and rediscovery. At 70, she is not just surviving; she is thriving. With a loving fiancé, exciting projects, and a renewed zest for life, she embodies the idea that the best chapters are often the ones yet to be written.
References: Reba McEntire Is 'Happier Than Ever' at 70, 'Never Been Loved by a Man' Like Fiancé Rex Linn (Exclusive) | Reba McEntire Can't Resist A Sly Dig At Her Exes As She Praises Fiancé Rex Linn | Reba Says She's The Happiest She's Ever Been Thanks To Fiancé Rex Linn: "I've Never Been Loved By A Man Like Rex"
