In a delightfully awkward yet utterly charming moment that has fans buzzing just in time for the holidays, Reba McEntire paused her live interview on NBC’s TODAY show to set the record straight after co-host Savannah Guthrie accidentally referred to her longtime partner, Rex Linn, as her “husband.” The lighthearted exchange, which aired on December 1, 2025, quickly went viral, blending humor, quick wit, and a touch of romance that left viewers gasping, laughing, and playfully wondering if a secret wedding might be on the horizon for the beloved country icon.
McEntire, the Queen of Country at 70, appeared on the morning show alongside co-host Carson Daly to promote the second season of her hit NBC sitcom Happy’s Place, where she stars opposite Linn as on-screen love interests. The conversation flowed naturally, touching on the joys of working together and the show’s blend of humor and heart. That’s when Guthrie, in a casual nod to their real-life romance, remarked, “You also met your husband there. So Rex, good ole Rex…”
The studio fell into a brief, anticipatory hush as McEntire raised her index finger with perfect comedic timing and interjected, “Now, wait a minute.” With a mischievous smile, she continued, “Before everybody has a conniption fit at home—we’re just engaged.” The clarification was delivered with McEntire’s signature Southern charm, turning a potential faux pas into a laugh-out-loud highlight. Guthrie immediately apologized with a good-natured “Good point,” while McEntire added, tongue-in-cheek, “My family will go, ‘Wait, you didn’t tell us?!'”
Cameras then panned to Linn, who was present in the studio offstage, capturing his initial puzzled expression—eyebrows raised in confusion—before it melted into a wide, affectionate grin as his fiancée spoke. The actor, known for roles in CSI: Miami and Young Sheldon, looked every bit the supportive partner, beaming with pride and amusement. It was a candid glimpse into their dynamic: playful, loving, and grounded in mutual respect.
The moment resonated deeply because of the couple’s endearing love story. McEntire and Linn first crossed paths in the early 1990s on the set of a Kenny Rogers film but didn’t reconnect romantically until 2020, during the height of the pandemic. Their bond grew through texts and phone calls, blossoming into a relationship that McEntire has described as the happiest of her life. Linn proposed on Christmas Eve 2024 in a heartfelt, low-key moment on their ranch, getting down on one knee with a stunning rose gold ring set with black diamonds. They kept the engagement private initially out of sensitivity to devastating wildfires in California, only confirming it publicly at the 2025 Emmy Awards red carpet in September—where McEntire famously didn’t correct a reporter who called Linn her “fiancé” because, as she later admitted, “it sounded good to me.”
Since then, the pair have been open about savoring their engagement without rushing to the altar. McEntire has shared that they’re prioritizing work and enjoyment, with no set wedding date in sight. Linn, who has never been married, gets a kick out of their on-screen romance mirroring real life in Happy’s Place, where their characters navigate tavern drama and budding feelings. McEntire has gushed about the fun of going to work and home together, calling him a “workaholic” who ensures she’s prepared while making every day a “blast.”
The TODAY slip-up amplified fans’ affection for the couple, sparking a wave of social media reactions filled with laughter and speculation. Clips spread rapidly, with viewers praising McEntire’s quick wit—”Reba shutting it down with class!”—and Linn’s grinning reaction as “adorable.” Many joked about the “conniption fit” line, while others playfully theorized a secret elopement, given how seamlessly “husband” seemed to fit. The moment humanized the stars, reminding everyone of McEntire’s down-to-earth personality despite her legendary status: multiple Grammys, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, coaching on The Voice, and now thriving in sitcom territory.
Guthrie’s innocent mistake highlighted how natural the couple’s partnership feels to outsiders. After five years together, their comfort and chemistry are evident—whether red carpets, joint interviews, or shared projects. McEntire has spoken glowingly of feeling “like a teenager again,” crediting Linn’s tender-hearted nature for bringing out her happiest self. In a world of fleeting celebrity romances, theirs stands out as mature, joyful, and authentic.
The interview continued on a high note, with McEntire discussing the excitement of Happy’s Place Season 2—deeper character bonds, more laughs, and the thrill of meshing with the cast. She also teased upcoming holiday hosting duties, spreading her signature warmth. But the “husband” correction stole the show, becoming an instant memorable TV gem: awkward yet endearing, funny yet sweet.
As clips continue to circulate, fans are left smiling at the thought of what’s to come for Reba and Rex. No secret wedding (yet), but plenty of love on display. In an industry full of scripted drama, this unscripted blunder felt refreshingly real—a witty clapback, a grinning fiancé, and a queen handling it all with grace. If this is any indication, their future together—wedding or not—promises more moments that stop everyone in their tracks.
