Reba McEntire, the legendary country music icon, and her boyfriend, actor Rex Linn, have been one of the most talked-about celebrity couples in recent years.

However, despite their undeniable chemistry today, McEntire recently admitted that it wasn’t love at first sight when they first met. In fact, the two stars didn’t immediately feel that romantic spark

when they crossed paths for the first time. Instead, their relationship grew over time, deepening into a strong bond based on mutual respect, friendship, and shared values.

Reba, a beloved country music singer and actress, has had a storied career spanning decades, earning a reputation not just for her vocal prowess but also for her down-to-earth personality and warm spirit.

Her love life has been the subject of public interest for many years, particularly after her high-profile marriage to fellow country star Narvel Blackstock, which ended in divorce in 2015.

While Reba has never shied away from discussing her personal life, her relationship with Rex Linn has been different.

The two didn’t make their romance public right away, choosing instead to take a more private approach to their growing relationship.

Their story began a few decades ago, long before their romantic involvement. Reba and Rex first met in the 1990s when they both appeared on the set of the television show Malibu Country, where Reba was starring.

At the time, Rex was already an established actor known for his roles in shows like CSI: Miami and Better Call Saul. However, despite their professional connection, there was no instant romantic connection between the two.

In fact, Reba admitted in a recent interview that when they first met, she didn’t feel any overwhelming attraction or spark. Instead, they quickly formed a friendship, with Reba seeing Rex as just another colleague in the entertainment industry.

But while their relationship didn’t begin with fireworks, it didn’t take long for their bond to evolve. Over the years, their friendship continued to deepen, and they remained in contact, especially after Rex made a guest appearance on Reba’s Reba TV show.

As their friendship grew, they began to develop a new understanding of each other, discovering shared interests, a similar sense of humor, and a mutual admiration for each other’s work.

Reba described how Rex’s down-to-earth nature and his quick wit made him someone she could easily get along with and trust.

In fact, it wasn’t until much later that Reba and Rex realized they were more than just friends.

After years of staying in touch, their connection gradually transformed into something more, and they began dating in 2020.

Looking back, Reba explained that although there was no immediate romantic spark when they first met, she eventually realized that the slow burn of their relationship was part of what made it so special.

“We were friends for a long time before it became anything more, and that gave us a solid foundation,” she said. “We knew each other well, and we had time to really understand who we were as individuals before we ever thought about being something more.”

Reba has been open about how her relationship with Rex has been different from some of her past relationships, which had more immediate romantic sparks.

She explained that with Rex, the deep connection they built through years of friendship made the transition to a romantic relationship feel much more grounded and stable.

For Reba, this slow and steady path was incredibly important, especially after the end of her previous marriage. She has always been focused on building strong, healthy relationships, and with Rex, that’s exactly what she found.

Rex Linn, for his part, has also spoken about how their relationship has unfolded in such a natural, organic way.

While he may not have initially felt a romantic connection with Reba when they first met, he quickly grew to appreciate her warmth, kindness, and sense of humor.

He also admired her strength and independence, which made her an attractive and intriguing partner.

Over the years, as their friendship grew, Rex began to realize that Reba was not just a colleague or friend, but someone with whom he could build a lasting connection.

Their relationship has been one of gradual discovery, with both Reba and Rex continuing to learn about each other and grow together.

In the time since they became a couple, they’ve faced the ups and downs that come with any relationship, but they’ve always leaned on each other for support.

Reba has shared how much she appreciates Rex’s sense of humor and his ability to make her laugh, especially during difficult times.

Rex has also spoken about how Reba has inspired him and supported him through his own challenges. Their bond is rooted in respect, trust, and a genuine desire to make each other’s lives better.

In many ways, Reba and Rex’s relationship mirrors the values Reba has held throughout her life and career: authenticity, patience, and emotional connection.

While many might have expected a whirlwind romance between two celebrities, Reba and Rex’s story is proof that sometimes, the best relationships are the ones that develop slowly over time.

Their connection, founded on years of friendship and mutual admiration, shows that love doesn’t always come in the form of a dramatic, instant connection.

Instead, it can be something that grows gradually, with a solid foundation of trust and respect, until it blossoms into something beautiful and lasting.

As Reba and Rex continue their journey together, it’s clear that their bond has only strengthened.

Their love story is a reminder that sometimes the best things in life take time to develop, and that deep, lasting connections are built on friendship and shared experiences rather than instant attraction.

For Reba McEntire and Rex Linn, their love may not have been love at first sight, but it’s undoubtedly a love that has grown into something truly special.