Rex Linn and Reba McEntire have been inseparable for years, but their relationship didn’t start smoothly. Linn recently revealed that he had to endure McEntire’s “cold treatment” in the early days of their romance. Find out why the country legend initially kept her distance and how their love story unfolded.
The Unexpected Start of Reba McEntire and Rex Linn’s Relationship
Reba McEntire and Rex Linn’s love story has captivated fans, but it wasn’t always smooth sailing. While the couple now appears stronger than ever, Linn recently disclosed that the early days of their relationship were marked by unexpected tension. Despite their deep connection, McEntire initially gave him what he described as “cold treatment.”
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Their story began long before they officially started dating. The two first met in 1991 while working on the TV movie The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw alongside country music legend Kenny Rogers. Though they stayed in touch over the years, their paths didn’t cross romantically until decades later.
In 2020, as the world slowed down due to the pandemic, McEntire and Linn reconnected. However, Linn admitted that McEntire was hesitant at first, keeping him at a distance despite their undeniable chemistry. Fans were left wondering: Why did McEntire, who later described feeling like a “giddy teenager” with Linn, initially hold back?
Why Did Reba Keep Her Distance from Rex?
Reba McEntire’s reluctance in the early days of her romance with Rex Linn wasn’t a reflection of a lack of interest. Instead, it stemmed from her past experiences and emotional healing. Before meeting Linn, McEntire had endured heartbreak, including a difficult divorce from her longtime manager and husband, Narvel Blackstock, in 2015.
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Following the end of her 26-year marriage, McEntire took time to rebuild her life and regain her independence. She later entered a relationship with wildlife photographer Anthony “Skeeter” Lasuzzo, which ended amicably in 2019. After these experiences, McEntire was understandably cautious when it came to new relationships.
According to sources close to the singer, she was wary of jumping into another commitment too quickly. Although she and Linn shared a strong connection, McEntire took a step back to evaluate her feelings. This resulted in what Linn jokingly referred to as her “cold treatment.” However, rather than being a rejection, it was a sign that McEntire wanted to approach the relationship with care and intentionality.
How Their Love Story Flourished
Despite her initial hesitation, McEntire eventually let her guard down. As the pandemic continued, she and Linn spent more time together through virtual calls and deep conversations. McEntire later admitted that their connection grew stronger as they shared stories about their pasts, careers, and personal lives.
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Their bond solidified when they finally reunited in person in June 2020. From that moment on, they became nearly inseparable. In interviews, McEntire has described Linn as someone who makes her laugh and understands her in a way few others do.
On her Living & Learning podcast, she gushed about their relationship, saying, “We’ve been having discussions about our past, our families, funny stories. He’s very into my music, and I’m very into his career. It’s just great getting to talk to somebody who I find very interesting, very funny, and very smart, and is interested in me too.”
Linn, for his part, has been equally vocal about his admiration for McEntire. He has praised her talent, kindness, and sense of humor, making it clear that he feels lucky to have her by his side. Their mutual respect and deep affection have been evident in their public appearances and social media interactions.
While Reba McEntire and Rex Linn now share a beautiful and thriving relationship, it didn’t start without its challenges. McEntire’s initial “cold treatment” wasn’t about disinterest—it was a reflection of her careful approach to love after past heartbreaks. Thankfully, Linn’s patience and persistence paid off, leading to a romance filled with laughter, support, and unwavering affection.
Their love story serves as a reminder that the best relationships often require time to grow. Fans continue to root for them, and as their journey unfolds, one thing is clear: their bond is stronger than ever.
Stay tuned for more updates on Reba and Rex, and follow their heartwarming love story as it continues to flourish.
