Reba McEntire & Rex Linn — From Hollywood Friends to “The Tots” You Can’t Help But Love

It’s the kind of love story that makes you smile before you even hear the ending. Reba McEntire and Rex Linn’s romance didn’t begin with a whirlwind Hollywood hookup—it started decades ago, with a chance meeting on the set of The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw. She played Burgundy Jones, he played Henry, and they formed a friendship that would quietly simmer for nearly 30 years before turning into something unforgettable.

In January 2020, fate brought them back together. Reba was in California filming Young Sheldon, a show Rex also appears on. One dinner with friends turned into a moment neither of them could ignore. Rex posted a photo from that night, writing: “Had a fantastic dinner with this Oklahoma girl. Tater Tots and Ketchup included.”

That’s where “The Tots” were born. When Reba lit up over tater tots, Rex—famous for giving people nicknames—declared her “Tater Tot.” She, in turn, christened him “Sugar Tot.” From then on, they weren’t just Reba and Rex—they were a team.

Their love deepened quickly. COVID kept them apart for a while, but Rex never stopped showing he cared—sending her ice cream, steaks, and care packages when she needed comfort most, especially after her mother passed in March 2020. By summer, they were reunited, and since then, they’ve been almost inseparable.

They’ve worked side-by-side in Big Sky, The Hammer, Young Sheldon, and the sitcom Happy’s Place. They’ve played a married couple on screen and dream of starring together in a Western—ropes, horses, and all.

And yes, they’ve talked about marriage. For Rex, who’s never been married, it would be a first. For Reba, who’s been married twice, it’s his call. “If you want to, that’s fine with me,” she’s told him. They’ve giggled about the idea, imagining multiple ceremonies just to fit in all their friends and family.

Married or not, one thing’s certain—Reba calls Rex “the love of my life,” and he looks at her like she’s the best thing that ever happened to him.

Some couples make headlines. These two? They make you believe in love stories that are worth the wait.