Reba McEntire and Partner Rex Linn Shine at the 2024 ACM Awards Gala

Reba McEntire and Boyfriend Rex Linn Stay Close on the 2024 ACM Awards Red Carpet 212

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Reba McEntire was supported by her boyfriend, Rex Linn, as she got ready to host the 2024 Academy of Country Music Awards on Thursday, May 16. The singer, aged 69, and the actor, aged 67, strolled down the red carpet together before the 59th annual awards show in Texas. McEntire looked stunning in a black jumpsuit paired with a sequin blazer and a turquoise necklace. Her famous red hair was styled in a half-up, half-down hairdo. Linn opted for black slacks, a matching shirt, and a leather jacket.

McEntire is hosting the ceremony for a record 17th time. She first hosted the awards show in 1986 and most recently in 2019. This year, she took over from Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks, who cohosted the 2023 event. McEntire is also set to perform her new song, “I Can’t,” which she debuted on The Voice earlier this month.

McEntire first met Linn while on the set of the 1991 film The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw. They remained friends over the years, but their relationship did not turn romantic until they reconnected while working on Young Sheldon in 2020.

McEntire shared with E! News in April that she felt a strong connection with Linn, describing it as being like a magnet.

Despite feeling immediate chemistry, the couple had to spend time apart initially because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Surprisingly, this time apart actually strengthened their bond instead of weakening it.

"We didn't see each other in person from January until June 16, but we built a close connection through texting and phone calls. This allowed us to develop a level of intimacy that we might not have achieved if we had been together the whole time," she said. She added that they have been "pretty much inseparable" ever since.

During the time apart, McEntire and Linn deepened their relationship by getting to know each other better, rather than just focusing on physical attraction.

"You know all about their personality and flaws," she mentioned. "You appreciate them for who they are, rather than just focusing on their looks."

McEntire has been through two divorces, first with Charlie Battles from 1976 to 1987 and then with Narvel Blackstock from 1989 to 2015. Despite this, she remains open to marrying Linn.

She shared, "I'm really dedicated to Rex. If he strongly feels that getting married is important to him, I support that decision. He has never been married before, so if he wants to experience that, I am completely fine with it."

In her 2023 book, Not That Fancy, McEntire disclosed the key to her long-lasting relationship with Linn.

"He's the first person I chat with in the morning and the last person I chat with at night," she shared. "I'm enjoying being in love once more. Romantic relationships should be enjoyable - it doesn't matter how old you are. Love should bring happiness and make you feel great, and I won't accept anything less."

Editor's P/S:

Reba McEntire and Rex Linn's relationship exemplifies the power of connection and resilience. Despite being friends for years, their