In a world where whirlwind romances come and go, Reba McEntire and Rex Linn are quietly proving that the best love stories often take their time. From co-stars to best friends to inseparable soulmates, theirs is a tale built not on red carpets or headlines—but on laughter, shared grief, cowboy boots, and a whole lot of tater tots.
And yes, they even have the nicknames to match.
From Colleagues to Companions: How It All Began
Their paths first crossed back in 1991 on the set of The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw. Reba played the sharp-witted Burgundy Jones, while Rex took on the role of Henry. Though the chemistry was there, it stayed friendly. Life moved on, careers soared, and their connection quietly lingered in the background.
Nearly 30 years later, fate circled back.
Reconnecting in 2020: A Pandemic-Era Love Story
In January 2020, while Reba was filming an episode of Young Sheldon in California, she met up with Rex for dinner. He later posted a photo with a now-iconic caption:
“Had a fantastic dinner with this Oklahoma girl. Tater Tots and Ketchup included.”
Just weeks later, the world shut down. But even in separation, Rex was there—sending Reba care packages filled with her favorite comfort foods like McConnell’s ice cream and Perini’s steaks. And when they reunited that summer? Something had changed.
The friendship had blossomed into something deeper. And neither of them looked back.
Meet the “Tots”: Tater Tot & Sugar Tot
If you’ve heard Reba refer to Rex as “Sugar Tot,” now you know why.
At that very first dinner, Reba lit up at the mention of tater tots. Rex—famous among friends for handing out nicknames—smiled and said, “That’s yours.” Reba became Tater Tot. He became Sugar Tot. Together, they proudly call themselves The Tots.
Wholesome, silly, and endearing—it’s the kind of love that feels both brand new and decades deep.
From Onscreen Sparks to Real-Life Soulmates
Their real-life romance spilled beautifully into their work. Reba and Rex have since appeared together in:
- Big Sky (ABC) – playing married couple Sunny and Buck Barnes
- The Hammer (2023, Lifetime) – a courtroom drama with real emotional weight
- Happy’s Place (NBC) – a current sitcom that fans can’t get enough of
But what they really want to do next? A Western.
“He loves to team rope. I love to barrel race,” Reba said. “It’s our dream to do a Western together.”
Will They Ever Get Married?
It’s the question fans can’t stop asking. Reba has been married twice before, while Rex has never tied the knot. So who’s pushing for a wedding?
“I told him, ‘If you want to, that’s fine with me,’” Reba shared. “It’s completely his call.”
They’ve joked about needing multiple ceremonies just to fit in all their loved ones.
“We’d have to do a 2 o’clock, 4 o’clock, 6 o’clock, and 8 o’clock wedding!” Reba laughed.
Whether they walk down the aisle or not, one thing is certain:
“Rex is the love of my life,” Reba has said.
A Love Story That’s Real, Rooted, and Radiant
Reba and Rex remind us all that love doesn’t follow a script. Sometimes it begins in friendship, grows through years of shared experiences, and arrives just when you’ve stopped looking for it.
Their story isn’t just about romance—it’s about resilience, laughter, support, and second chances.
And no matter what the future holds, “The Tots” have already built something lasting.
Love like that? It never goes out of style.
