Reba McEntire and Rex Linn Skip Traditional Thanksgiving for Movie Marathon and Dining Out
Music icon Reba McEntire and her partner, Rex Linn, are foregoing their typical Thanksgiving plans in favor of establishing a new custom.
"This Thanksgiving, our plan is to catch a movie double-feature and dine out," McEntire revealed to People in an article released on Thursday, November 27.
The country music legend described herself as "quite relaxed," usually opting for "intimate evenings at home, free of cosmetics, and similar simple pleasures." While this marks their initial Thanksgiving not preparing a conventional feast, they have embraced relaxed holiday celebrations for some time.
"On Valentine's Day, we head to Sonic for hamburgers and tater tots," McEntire disclosed. "And now for Thanksgiving, we're kicking off our newest ritual!"
Reba McEntire and Partner Rex Linn Confirm Engagement Following Five Years Together
McEntire and Linn first crossed paths in 1991 during the production of The Gambler Returns, but their connection didn't blossom into a romance until thirty years later when their paths converged again on the set of Young Sheldon. "Our shared Oklahoman roots and passion for horses and acting created an immediate bond," McEntire penned in her 2023 memoir, describing their quick rapport. "He brought me joy, and we grew into close companions."
Following the start of their romantic relationship in 2020 — and their subsequent collaboration as costars on the NBC comedy Happy's Place — McEntire announced at the Emmy Awards in September that she and Linn were engaged. She subsequently disclosed that the proposal occurred on Christmas Eve, with the couple successfully concealing their engagement for almost a full year.
Earlier this month, McEntire shared solely with Us Weekly that their wedding preparations are paused, as their demanding professional schedules are occupying much of their time.
"Organizing a wedding is unfeasible given our current timetables," she clarified during her appearance at the Paley Honors Fall Gala on November 10. "Our thinking is, 'We'd like to do it this month, but if professional commitments arise, we'll prioritize work, and then tie the knot at a later date.'"
She further stated, "Simply put, career takes precedence."
In October, McEntire informed People that she had "never experienced love" in the profound way Linn expresses it. (McEntire had previous marriages to Charlie Battles from 1976 to 1987 and Narvel Blackstock from 1989 to 2015, the latter of whom she has a son, Shelby.)
She observed that their television series, Happy's Place, where they portray colleagues and companions who develop romantic feelings, accurately mirrors their actual relationship.
"Anywhere we are together becomes our 'Happy's Place'," she remarked. "Having the opportunity to collaborate with Rex, commute with him to work, perform in the show, attend rehearsals, drive back, discuss it, and practice together — that is profoundly meaningful to me. It's an experience I haven't encountered previously."
Reba McEntire Praises Fiance Rex Linn as a 'Wonderful Man': 'My Affection for Him is Immense'
In her Us Weekly cover feature from the previous year, McEntire effusively expressed that she and Linn are "closest companions" and possess identical "preferences and aversions," which further enhances their compatibility.
"We appreciate good food. We enjoy preparing meals. Each of us aspired to be a cowboy or a cowgirl," she recounted. "However, we ended up pursuing careers in entertainment instead. Our connection is effective both in front of and behind the camera."
McEntire further elaborated on their ideal match, stating, "Rex inspires my inner child, and I thoroughly enjoy myself. I can be awkward, I can be silly. He shares those traits. We cherish laughter, and we cherish each other. We both have a fondness for watching television. We are constantly searching for a fresh series or film to view. He refers to it as his professional study, observing other performers and gaining insights. I engage in it purely for pleasure."
