A seemingly routine interview on the “Today” show quickly turned into a moment of intrigue when country music legend Reba McEntire, 70, paused co-anchor Savannah Guthrie mid-sentence over a surprising detail about her relationship with actor Rex Linn.
“You also met your husband there. So Rex, good ole Rex…” Guthrie began during the live segment, only to be gently interrupted by McEntire, who clarified, “Now, wait a minute. Before everybody has a conniption fit at home, we’re just engaged.” The brief exchange left viewers buzzing and social media abuzz with speculation.
The moment came as McEntire promoted NBC’s sitcom Happy’s Place, now in its second season. The series follows a woman (played by McEntire) who unexpectedly inherits a bar and discovers a secret half-sister (Belissa Escobedo), adding a touch of drama that mirrored the real-life tension on set. Linn, 69, who also stars in the show, stood nearby during the interview, visibly amused and slightly bewildered by the “husband” slip.
Despite the lighthearted tone, the moment offered fans a rare glimpse into McEntire’s personal life. The singer and Linn became engaged in December 2024, but McEntire explained that they chose to keep the news private at first. “A lot of people did not know,” she said. “When he asked me to marry him, it was Christmas Eve a year ago. We planned to announce it once we returned to L.A., but the fires happened. There was no room for our joy in such a devastating situation for everyone else.”
Guthrie quickly apologized for the mistake, laughing off the mix-up. “I had to correct it, otherwise my family will go, ‘Wait, you didn’t tell us?!’” she joked. The exchange highlighted both McEntire’s humor and her careful approach to sharing personal milestones with the public.
In addition to their engagement, McEntire opened up about her work dynamic with Linn. “He is a workaholic and loves to rehearse,” she said, smiling. “Me, not so much on the rehearsal part, so he really makes sure I know my lines when we have tape day. We have a blast, and we’re so grateful we get to work together and go home together.”
McEntire, who was previously married to Charles Battles and Narvel Blackstock, has one son, Shelby Blackstock, 35, and has gracefully navigated the spotlight through decades of personal and professional transitions. Her recent public correction on live TV serves as a reminder that even celebrities value transparency—and sometimes, a little mystery adds to the fun.
Fans watching live were left entertained, intrigued, and talking about the moment long after the segment ended, proving that even a simple clarification can make headlines when Reba McEntire and Savannah Guthrie are involved.
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