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Following her 26-year marriage to Narvel Blackstock, country music icon Reba McEntire embarked on an unconventional love story with “Better Call Saul” actor Rex Linn. The peculiar twist to their relationship lies in the fact that they first crossed paths while McEntire was still married to Blackstock, although romance didn’t bloom until much later.
Their initial encounter occurred briefly on the set of the 1991 Kenny Rogers movie “The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw,” where McEntire played a lead role and Linn had a small part. Despite the short interaction, they remained acquaintances, bonded by a mutual friend, movie producer E.K. Gaylord II.
Their paths crossed again when McEntire joined Linn as a fellow cast member on “Young Sheldon” in early 2020. This sitcom connection became the catalyst for their blossoming romance, although initially, there were no romantic sparks. However, lead actor Iain Armitage amusingly claimed partial credit for bringing them together, even though he didn’t notice any chemistry at first.
Their first attempt at spending time together outside of work took an unexpected turn. McEntire initially declined Linn’s dinner invitation due to exhaustion, and when they finally met up in January 2020, it was in a group setting with their co-star Melissa Peterman and McEntire’s tour manager, Marne McLyman. Neither McEntire nor Linn considered it a date until their friends jokingly labeled it as such, leading to a delightful evening that left them eager to meet again.
Their subsequent interactions, including a postponed proper date due to the pandemic, were filled with thoughtful gestures, such as Linn sending McEntire food through the mail. Their affectionate dynamic was further highlighted by endearing pet names — McEntire became “Tater Tot” due to her love for the snack, while Linn was dubbed “Sugar Tot” by McEntire’s sister, Susie McEntire-Eaton, during their long-distance courtship.
The couple’s penchant for playful antics extended to their favorite pastime of trying to scare each other, with McEntire gleefully recounting their mischievous exploits of hiding in dark corners or pulling off elaborate Halloween pranks involving a seven-foot werewolf.
While McEntire has openly discussed the prospect of marriage with Linn, emphasizing their strong bond and compatibility, she remains nonchalant about the idea, leaving the decision in Linn’s hands. Despite occasional rumors sparked by a sparkler on McEntire’s ring finger, the couple continues to enjoy their relationship without feeling pressured to alter their dynamic.
In essence, McEntire and Linn’s love story is characterized by genuine affection, playful banter, and a shared understanding that their relationship is defined by mutual respect and affection, rather than societal expectations.