I’m Finally HAPPY!
THE COUNTRY MUSIC QUEEN HAS BEEN COUNTING HER MANY BLESSINGS
N ow that the world has opened up again, Reba McEntire has hit the ground running! The spitfire singer has announced a fall arena tour and several acting projects — including one co-starring her boyfriend, Rex Linn. “He loves to work, I love to work,” gushes Reba, 67. “We were both wannabe cowboys, cowgirls and then got into the entertainment business.”
Reba will star in and executive produce the upcoming Lifetime movie The Hammer. Inspired by the life of traveling circuit judge Kim Wanker, the film will also feature Melissa Peterman, who co-starred on the TV series Reba, and Rex, the country singer’s boyfriend of the past two years.
Reba isn’t worried about working with Rex, 65. “They live together and are inseparable. She calls him her “forever man,” confides a friend. “They discussed working together not long after they started dating but were waiting for the right opportunity to come along.” In the film, Rex plays a mysterious cowboy named Bart Crawford. It’s expected to be released next year.
A NEW ROAD
Living and working together is a big leap for any couple, but fans who are waiting for wedding bells might be a tad disappointed. Even though Rex has never been married before, Reba says that at her age, there’s just no point in going to the trouble. She’s already been married twice, to Charlie Battles and Narvel Blackstock, the father of her son Shelby. “Rex would propose to her in a heartbeat, but Reba doesn’t want to deal with prenups and all of that,” says the friend. “Even though she got a touch of wedding fever at her son’s wedding last year, she really is happy with the way things are now.”
Confident, entertaining and easygoing Rex is exactly what the star has prayed for in a partner. “He’s such a gentleman,” says the friend. “They rarely argue, and they balance each other out. He doesn’t feel threatened by Reba’s success and embraces every aspect of her career. When Reba is on the road, Rex almost always joins her.”
And at home in Nashville, Rex has made an effort to become part of the family. “He’s spent time with Reba’s son and stepchildren. They’ve really taken to him, and that approval really meant a lot to Reba,” says the friend, who confides that when they are home, Reba and Rex like to cook together and take long walks. “They also ballroom dance together,” says the pal. “And it is so cute.”
Reba doesn’t like to think too far ahead or take anything for granted, but she can’t help but feel grateful that her personal life and her career are both in such good places. “Reba feels comfortable in her own skin and has grown as a person over the years,” says the friend. “She says it helps that she and Rex got to know each other as friends before starting a relationship. He’s her knight in shining armor, and she trusts him with her life.” Reba admits she has rarely been happier. “I have a lot to be thankful for,” she says. “I am healthy, happy, and I am loved.”