Imagine stumbling upon a hidden gem in your favorite TV show—a fleeting moment that ties together stars in real life! That's exactly what eagle-eyed fans spotted when Reba McEntire's real-life fiancé, Rex Linn, popped up in a quick cameo during The Voice Season 28. But here's where it gets intriguing: This wasn't just any background appearance; it was a sweet nod to their life together, filmed right near the set of her sitcom, Happy's Place. Let's dive into the details and explore how this charming couple's story unfolded, from their unexpected reunion to their unique take on commitment. And trust me, by the end, you might find yourself pondering whether their approach to love is revolutionary or just perfectly unconventional.
Picture this: Reba, serving as a coach on The Voice (that popular singing competition show where talented artists battle it out to win), was wrapping up the first episode of the Battle Rounds. Between those thrilling duet performances, sharp viewers might have caught a glimpse of Rex Linn strolling casually behind her as she chatted with the camera. For those new to the show, The Voice is all about contestants vying for spots in a blind audition setup, and the Battles are where coaches pit their artists against each other—think high-stakes vocal showdowns that can make or break dreams. Reba's cozy sitcom, Happy's Place, which stars her alongside Linn, films just a short distance away from The Voice's studio. That proximity makes it easy for Rex, her co-star and now fiancé, to tag along and offer support. In this fleeting scene, after artists like Dustin Dale Gaspard and their partner performed a cover of Hozier's 'Too Sweet,' Reba beamed, 'Having a blast today, first day of the Battles.' Right there, Linn sauntered past with a studio lanyard dangling from his neck, looking completely at home. It's no surprise—he's no stranger to Hollywood sets, having appeared in numerous TV and movie roles before landing on Happy's Place.
Curious about how to catch all this action? Tune in to The Voice every Monday and Tuesday at 8/7c on NBC, or stream the latest episodes the next day on Peacock. It's a great way to see these moments live (or just a tad delayed) and immerse yourself in the excitement.
Now, let's talk about the heart of this story: How did Reba McEntire and Rex Linn go from colleagues to an inseparable couple? Their paths first intersected back in 1991 on the set of a Western drama, but at that time, there wasn't any spark of romance—just professional acquaintances. Fast forward nearly three decades to January 2020, when they reunited on the Young Sheldon set (that hilarious sitcom spin-off from The Big Bang Theory, perfect for fans of quirky family dynamics). Reba shared with E! News that it felt like destiny: 'I don't know what it was; timing is everything. I've been married twice, and for some reason Rex Linn—it was just like a magnet. I had to get in there to see him at the restaurant.' Ah, timing—it's a double-edged sword, isn't it? The pandemic threw a curveball into their budding romance, keeping them apart from January until June 16, 2020. But here's the part most people miss: Instead of derailing things, it actually deepened their bond in a beautiful way.
'As we couldn't meet up during those months, we built a real closeness through texting and phone calls,' Reba explained in the same interview. 'That kind of connection wouldn't have happened if we'd been able to hang out in person all the time. It was like discovering each other on a deeper level without any physical touch. Since June 16, 2020, we've been practically joined at the hip—it created a special foundation for us.' For beginners wondering about pandemic romances, think of it as turning a challenge into an opportunity: In an era when virtual connections became the norm (like how Zoom dates replaced dinners out), their story shows how technology can foster genuine intimacy. It's almost like a modern fairy tale, proving that love can blossom in unexpected ways.
Speaking of their relationship, Reba's views on marriage add a layer of intrigue. Having tied the knot twice before, she confessed to E! that she's lost some faith in the idea of being 'bound by a piece of paper or a ring.' Yet, she's fully devoted to Rex, stating, 'If that's something he feels strongly about, I'm totally fine with it. He's never walked down the aisle, so if he wants to try it, I'm open.' And this is the part that could spark heated debates: Is commitment without formal vows just as valid? Some might argue it's liberating in today's world, where traditional norms are shifting—think of celebrities like Oprah or Ellen DeGeneres who have thrived in long-term partnerships without marriage. Others might counter that formalizing love brings security and societal recognition. What do you think? Does their story inspire you to rethink what 'forever' means, or do you believe marriage is still the gold standard for true dedication?
For more on Rex Linn's background, check out his standout roles in TV and films before Happy's Place—they range from intense dramas to action-packed thrillers, showcasing his versatility. And if you want to see him in action chopping a cucumber with his bare hands (yes, really!), it's a chaotic, fun clip from the Happy's Place set that highlights the show's lighthearted chaos.
Don't miss Reba on The Voice Mondays and Tuesdays on NBC, and catch her alongside Rex when Happy's Place Season 2 drops this Friday, November 7. Their on-screen chemistry is palpable, and now you know the real-life magic behind it.
What are your thoughts on Reba and Rex's unconventional romance? Do you agree that pandemic texting built a stronger foundation, or does distance make the heart grow fonder only in movies? Drop your opinions in the comments—I'd love to hear if this changes how you view celebrity love stories!
