Reba McEntire, the legendary country music star, is living her best life with her current boyfriend, Rex Linn. But before finding her modern-day Prince Charming, Reba experienced a series of relationships that shaped her into the strong and resilient woman she is today. Let’s dive into her journey of love, heartbreak, and ultimate happiness.
Reba McEntire’s Journey Through Love and Marriage
Reba McEntire has walked down the aisle twice, each marriage leaving its mark on her life and career. The first time, she tied the knot with Charlie Battles in 1976, at the very beginning of her country music career. This marriage lasted until 1987. A decade later, she married Narvel Blackstock, her band's guitarist, in 1989. Their union came to an end in 2015. Through these relationships, Reba not only found love but also learned invaluable lessons about life, family, and herself.
Who Was Charlie Battles, Reba's First Husband?
Charlie Battles, a steer-wrestling champion, was ten years older than Reba when they met. They were married in 1976, a pivotal year for Reba as it marked the beginning of her country music career. "I loved Charlie with all my heart," she once shared with CNN. "I wanted to marry him. We had a lot of fun. We rodeoed together, we ranched together." During their marriage, Reba embraced the role of a stepmom to Charlie's children, Lance and Coty Battles. After 11 years together, they parted ways in 1987. Tragically, Charlie passed away in 2013 from heart failure and complications from a stroke he suffered in 2006.
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Narvel Blackstock: Reba’s Second Marriage
Reba and Narvel Blackstock's story began when Narvel joined her band as a guitarist in 1980. Their professional partnership soon blossomed into a romantic relationship. After her divorce from Charlie, Reba opened her heart again and married Narvel in 1989. Their union brought them a son, Shelby Blackstock, in 1990. Reba also became a stepmom to Narvel's children from his previous marriage to Elisa Gayle Ritter—Shawna, Brandon, and Chassidy Blackstock.
Reba formed a deep bond with her stepchildren during her marriage to Narvel, celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary in 2009. "I don’t consider Brandon, Chassidy, and Shawna stepchildren," Reba told The Boot in 2010. "I claim them all." However, in August 2015, Reba and Narvel announced their split after 26 years of marriage. Despite the separation, they maintained a professional relationship, even reuniting at their son Shelby’s wedding to Marissa Branch in February 2022. An insider described the event as a happy family occasion, with no awkwardness between the exes.
Reba McEntire’s Current Love: Rex Linn
Fast forward to October 2020, and Reba revealed her romance with actor Rex Linn, a friendship that had blossomed over two decades. "It’s good to have a person to talk to, laugh with, get into subjects about what’s going on," she said during her podcast, "Living & Learning." Rex shares Reba’s passion for music and acting, creating a harmonious blend of their careers and personal lives. Reba has even expressed openness to marriage again. "If you want to, that’s fine with me," she told Rex, reflecting on her previous marriages and his first. For Reba, love remains a beautiful journey, and she’s embracing it with open arms.
