Reba McEntire Corrects 'Husband' Mistake on 'Today' Show
Reba McEntire on the red carpet at Celebrity Fight Night XXIII at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Phoenix, Arizona, 2017. Photo courtesy of Gage Skidmore under CC BY-SA 2.0.
Reba McEntire knows how to keep her personal life just that personal. On a recent appearance on the "Today" show, the 70-year-old country music icon swiftly corrected co-anchor Savannah Guthrie when she mistakenly referred to actor Rex Linn as her husband. With a mix of humor and clarity, McEntire set the record straight: they are engaged, not married. This moment, lighthearted on the surface, reveals a deeper truth about the pressures high-profile couples face when the public assumes too much about their private lives.
A Quick Correction That Spoke Volumes
The exchange happened during a lively interview about McEntire's latest projects, including the second season of her sitcom "Happy's Place," where she stars alongside her real-life fiancé, Rex Linn. When Guthrie casually called Linn McEntire's husband, the singer immediately stepped in to clarify saying, "Now, wait a minute. Before everybody has a conniption fit at home, we're just engaged," as reported by PEOPLE. McEntire's quick correction was not just about semantics. It was a gentle but firm reminder that even in the glare of the spotlight, boundaries around personal milestones matter.
Linn, who was present in the studio, initially appeared surprised by the slip-up but soon smiled as McEntire explained the situation. The couple's dynamic, both on and off screen, is clearly one of warmth and fun. McEntire described working with Linn as a "blast," as reported by PEOPLE, highlighting their playful rehearsals and the joy they find in sharing both their professional and personal lives. Their chemistry is undeniable, but McEntire's insistence on the "engaged" label shows a desire to control the narrative on her own terms.
A Romance Years in the Making
Reba McEntire and Rex Linn's love story is as charming as it is long-awaited. The pair first crossed paths in the early 1990s on the set of a Kenny Rogers TV movie. Despite their initial meeting, romance did not spark until decades later. It was only in 2020, amid the quiet of the pandemic and after the passing of McEntire's mother, that the two reconnected and began dating. Their relationship blossomed through daily phone calls they affectionately called "Coffee Camp," as reported by PEOPLE, a ritual that helped them grow closer despite physical distance.
Their engagement, which McEntire confirmed happened on Christmas Eve 2024, was kept under wraps for months. The couple chose to delay announcing their happy news out of respect for the devastating wildfires that swept through Los Angeles earlier that year. It wasn't until the 2025 Emmy Awards that they subtly confirmed their status as fiancés, smiling and nodding when a reporter referred to Linn as McEntire's fiancé. This quiet reveal was a perfect example of their preference for low-key, genuine moments over grand public declarations.
Keeping It Real and Low-Key
Unlike the extravagant weddings often associated with celebrity culture, McEntire and Linn are taking a different path. The country star has reportedly shared that their upcoming wedding will be a relaxed affair filled with friends, family, and plenty of fun. The focus is on celebrating their love authentically rather than staging a spectacle. McEntire's description of their plans reflects a grounded approach to romance, one that values joy and connection over pomp and circumstance.
This approach is fitting for a couple who have weathered life's ups and downs and found each other later in life. McEntire, who has been married twice before, appreciates the tenderness and respect Linn brings to their relationship. She has described him as a "very tender-hearted man" and expressed gratitude for the love they share, as reported by PEOPLE. Their playful nicknames — she is "tater tot" and he is "sugar tot" — add a sweet, personal touch to their story, showing a relationship built on friendship and affection as much as romance.
The Power of Setting Boundaries in the Spotlight
The "Today" show moment was more than a simple correction. It was a subtle assertion of control over how McEntire's personal life is portrayed. In an era where celebrity relationships are often dissected and misrepresented, McEntire's insistence on clarifying her status sends a message about the importance of truth and respect. It reminds fans and media alike that assumptions can be misleading and that even beloved stars deserve the space to share their stories on their own terms.
For McEntire, this means balancing the public's curiosity with her own need for privacy and accuracy. It also means embracing the joy of her current chapter without rushing or yielding to external pressures. Her correction was delivered with warmth and humor, but it carried a clear message: their engagement is a beautiful milestone, and the journey to marriage will unfold in its own time.
A Love Story Worth Celebrating
Reba McEntire and Rex Linn's relationship is a testament to enduring love and the joy of rediscovery. From their early days as acquaintances to their deep connection forged during challenging times, their story resonates with anyone who believes in second chances. Their engagement, while not yet culminating in marriage, is a celebration of partnership, friendship, and mutual respect.
As they continue to work together on "Happy's Place" and navigate life side by side, McEntire and Linn offer a refreshing example of love that is both glamorous and grounded. Their story invites us to appreciate the moments in between — the laughter, the rehearsals, the quiet affirmations — that make a relationship truly special.
In setting the record straight on "Today," Reba McEntire not only clarified a simple fact but also reminded us all of the power of honesty and the beauty of love lived authentically. For fans watching their journey, the best is yet to come.
References: Reba McEntire Corrects Savannah Guthrie over 'Husband' Question | Reba McEntire Shares Wedding Timeline Update with Fiancé Rex Linn (Exclusive) | All About Reba McEntire and Rex Linn's Relationship
