Reba McEntire Was Friends First with Her Partner for 30 Years — They Now Live In Her ‘African Cowboy’ Style Home

The famous country singer Reba McEntire found love again after divorcing her husband of 25 years. Reba divorced her husband, Narvel Blackstock, in 2015. After this, her entire life changed. Narvel wasn’t the only one to leave her life during that period.

Reba’s production manager and CEO left, and her father passed away. To the country star, it seemed like the world had been ripped from beneath her feet, and she had no solid ground to stand on. Without these supporting figures, Reba was on her own.

Reba McEntire cries during the Country Music Television’s CMT Giants honoring Reba McEntire at the Kodak Theatre on October 26, 2006 in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images

Suddenly, the singer had to fend for herself by managing things she had never run before in her life, and it was overwhelming. She realized how much effort went into tracking every detail of her life. She even saw how much basic necessities, such as water and electricity, cost.

So, on her own and handling an onslaught of confusing details, Reba had minimal comfort left. But she powered through and made things work. She remembered that she relied on her faith to get her through the dark times, stating:

“I had to say, ‘OK big boy, I can’t handle this. This is way over my pay grade — I don’t know what to do.’ And I would wait, and He would guide me. And so without my faith, I have no idea where I would be, or my career would be, at this time today.”

Reba McEntire sings “The Lord’s Prayer” during a funeral service for former President George H.W. Bush at St. Martins Episcopal Church on December 6, 2018 in Houston, Texas | Source: Getty Images

Slowly, Reba overcame the shock of being alone and learned to handle her own affairs. Then, just as things started looking up, another tragedy struck unexpectedly. Reba’s mother passed away, leaving her truly alone.

The Passing of Reba’s Mother

In 2020, the country musician’s mother was diagnosed with bladder cancer. Shortly before her death, she started speaking to her longtime friend, Rex Linn. She contacted him for comfort, and he responded, saying she could talk to him anytime:

“I was texting you about MaMa, we had just found out that she has bladder cancer, and you said, ‘You just feel free to call me anytime you want to talk,’ and I just quit texting, and we’ve been talking ever since.”

Rex also shared that Reba had supported him similarly when his mother died in 1998. The singer called him to comfort him when his mother was buried. That simple act of kindness meant so much to him that he remembered it and reciprocated almost 20 years later.

Reba McEntire performs onstage during the 50th Academy of Country Music Awards at AT&T Stadium on April 19, 2015 in Arlington, Texas | Source: Getty Images

The two had known each other since 1991. In January 2021, they rekindled their old friendship after seeing each other on “Young Sheldon.” Rex asked Reba to dinner, and they had a blast. Reba mentioned with glee that this was their first date, even if they didn’t know it.

After her divorce, Reba was sure she wasn’t looking for love again, and Rex was initially only a supportive friend. But Rex and Reba shared a lot of similar passions and had matching views on the world. The singer opened up about finding love unexpectedly by saying:

“I’ve waited 66 years for a man to pray with and to share a faith and love of the Lord and to be compassionate and have a compassionate heart. That’s very special.”

Reba McEntire and Rex Linn at the 54th Annual CMA Awards, 2020 | Source: Getty Images

Besides the spiritual connection, the two share many hobbies. Although they started talking because of shared grief, they soon found similar aspects in each other’s personalities. Considering their long-running friendship, they share many stories about the past.

In 2020, the singer had the chance to stay at her late mother’s house and sort through some old belongings.

They also support each other’s careers wholeheartedly. The country icon shared that she loves the films and TV shows he plays in. Likewise, Rex is a fan of Reba’s music. Their experiences in the entertainment industry was also something they bonded over.

The singer hinted that the two might be planning on tying the knot sometime in the future. Apparently, they’ve discussed the possibility of getting married occasionally. They have also been playing a married couple on the show “Big Sky.” Reba admitted that playing a married couple comes very naturally for them.

Reba and Rex’s “African Cowboy” Home

Reba has described the house she now shares with her boyfriend, Rex, as an “African cowboy style.” The house is lined with wooden surfaces and leather covers. Her kitchen also has impressive marble surfaces.

Throughout the house, cream colors feature strongly to offset the dark wood. Her living-room couch is one such object, placed next to a lace-covered, wooden coffee table. The country star also had a large Christmas tree up the entire year. Reba mentioned:

“I love a home that is warm, inviting, and friendly. You never have to ask to take your shoes off at the door here!”

In her den, the musician has a tempting leather couch that looks directly at a cozy fireplace. On the walls, animal heads and pelts give the impression that the house was once part of a hunting lodge.

Benches supported on horns stand next to the fireplace, adding to the African element. Reba has also incorporated rich leathers, dark woods, and steer heads, adding to the western aspect she wanted to include.

She has also placed photos of her trips to Africa throughout the house to remind her of previous adventures. All of these work together to create a space that Reba said is “authentically” her. Each object has been thoughtfully picked out.

In 2020, the singer had the chance to stay at her late mother’s house and sort through some old belongings. Searching through old and forgotten photos and memories offered Reba the opportunity to say a final goodbye to her beloved mother.