She Thought Love Was Over After Her Shocking Divorce—But Then Came Rex Linn: Inside Reba McEntire’s Surprise Second Chance at Love, Their Hilarious Nicknames, and the Romance That Has Country Music Fans Absolutely Swooning.

Reba McEntire has lived a life in the spotlight—country queen, business mogul, actress, and one of America’s most beloved voices. But behind the Grammys and glitter, Reba has also endured heartbreak, betrayal, and a very public divorce. Yet in the most unexpected twist, love found its way back into her life—this time through a friendship turned fairytale romance with actor Rex Linn.

And let’s be honest—it’s not just the romance fans are swooning over. It’s the adorable nicknames, the infectious laughter, and the sense that, finally, Reba is really happy again.

Here’s how the red-haired superstar went from lonely nights to late-night laughs with the man who calls her “Tater Tot” (yes, seriously!).

A Chance Encounter… or Fate?

Their story didn’t begin on a movie set or a red carpet. Reba and Rex first met in 1991 while working on the film The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw. But life would take them in different directions. It wasn’t until nearly 30 years later, in January 2020, that the two reconnected—and this time, the spark ignited instantly.

“We’d kept in touch as friends,” Reba shared in interviews. “But during the pandemic, we really started talking more, texting, calling, and getting to know each other deeper.”

That’s when something shifted. The connection was no longer just friendly—it was magnetic, comforting, real.

Pandemic Love: From Quarantine Calls to True Connection

While the world was shutting down, Reba and Rex were opening up to one another. From virtual dinner dates (yes, over FaceTime) to hours-long phone conversations, the two built a foundation of emotional intimacy long before they even held hands.

“It was like high school romance,” Reba laughed. “Only we were grown-ups with a lot more stories and scars.”

They began affectionately calling each other “Tater Tot” and “Sugar Tot”—nicknames that sound silly, maybe, but perfectly reflect the joy and playfulness they bring to each other’s lives.

And fans? They couldn’t get enough. “Tater Tot and Sugar Tot” started trending on social media after Reba first used the phrase on her podcast. Suddenly, everyone wanted a love like theirs.

Public Debut and Red-Carpet Chemistry

In October 2020, Reba made it official—announcing her relationship with Rex Linn to the world. Since then, they’ve walked red carpets hand-in-hand, starred in interviews together, and even played an on-screen couple in the hit show Big Sky.

But what fans love most isn’t just the PDA—it’s the way they look at each other. Eyes locked. Smiles genuine. Like they’ve been waiting their whole lives for this second chance.

“We’re both very independent,” Rex said in an interview. “But we’re also each other’s biggest cheerleaders. That’s rare. And special.”

Reba’s Road to Love Wasn’t Easy

Before Rex, Reba went through a devastating divorce in 2015 from her husband of 26 years, Narvel Blackstock—a split that left her reeling.

“It was not my idea to get divorced,” Reba has said candidly. “I didn’t want it. I didn’t see it coming.”

She admitted the breakup shook her to her core. But she chose to heal instead of harden, focusing on self-growth, music, and eventually, opening her heart again.

That’s what makes her relationship with Rex so moving—not just because it’s romantic, but because it’s earned. It’s a love that grew from pain, trust, and rediscovery.

More Than Lovers—Best Friends

Perhaps the most heartwarming part of Reba and Rex’s love story is their foundation of friendship.

“We laugh all the time,” Reba says. “He’s goofy, I’m goofy—it works!”

Whether they’re sharing selfies with matching cowboy hats or teasing each other about who makes the better chili, there’s an undeniable sense of ease between them.

They go to church together. They cook together. They support each other’s careers. And yes, they still call each other “Tater Tot” and “Sugar Tot.”

At a time when so many celebrity relationships feel like photo ops, theirs feels refreshingly real.

Marriage on the Horizon?

Naturally, fans are wondering: Is a wedding in the works?

Reba has been cautious but hopeful. “I’ve been married before, so I’m not in a rush,” she explained. “But if it’s meant to be, it will happen.”

Rex has echoed the sentiment. “We’re focused on enjoying what we have. And what we have is beautiful.”

Translation? Don’t be surprised if a country-themed wedding (with tater tots on the menu!) hits Nashville sooner rather than later.

A Love That Inspires

At 69, Reba McEntire is proving that love doesn’t expire. That heartbreak can lead to healing. And that sometimes, the person you’re meant to be with has been in your orbit all along.

Her romance with Rex Linn isn’t just adorable—it’s hopeful. It reminds fans that even after betrayal, loneliness, and change… love has a funny way of showing up when you least expect it.

“I thought my heart was done,” Reba once said. “Turns out, it was just getting started.”

Final Note: Why America’s Rooting for Them

In a world full of breakups, scandals, and messy headlines, Reba and Rex are a breath of fresh air. No drama. No games. Just genuine affection between two people who’ve lived, lost, and found something extraordinary.

Tater Tot and Sugar Tot forever? We sure hope so.