Reba McEntire is more than just the “Queen of Country Music“; she is a global icon of resilience, business acumen, and vocal power. With a career spanning five decades, her life has been a tapestry of record-breaking success and deeply personal heartbreak. As we look at Reba in 2026—currently balancing her coaching duties on The Voice, a thriving acting career, and a high-profile romance—fans continue to ask about the tragedies that shaped her and the values she stands for today.

The Tragedy That Changed Everything: The 1991 Plane Crash

When fans speak of “Reba’s tragedy,” they are almost certainly referring to the horrific event of March 16, 1991. Following a private performance in San Diego, two planes carrying Reba’s band and crew took off for Fort Worth, Texas. One of the planes crashed into Otay Mountain shortly after takeoff, killing all ten people on board, including eight members of Reba’s band and her road manager.

Reba and her then-husband, Narvel Blackstock, were on a separate plane that departed later. The loss was cataclysmic for the country music community. Reba has often spoken about how that night redefined her perspective on life and grief. She channeled her immense sorrow into the 1991 album For My Broken Heart, which remains one of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums of her career. Decades later, she still pays tribute to her lost “family” during her live performances, proving that while time heals, the memory of that tragedy remains a cornerstone of her strength.

Is Reba McEntire Pro-LGBTQ+? A Message of Love

In the traditionally conservative world of country music, Reba McEntire has long been a voice for inclusivity, though she often frames her stance through the lens of faith and human kindness rather than overt political activism.

For years, Reba has maintained a massive and loyal LGBTQ+ following. When asked about her stance on gay rights, Reba’s response has consistently been rooted in her Christian upbringing. She famously stated, “I don’t judge. I try to love everybody.” She has performed at events supporting the community and has spoken out against discrimination, emphasizing that her job as an entertainer is to bring people together, not to divide them. In 2026, she is widely regarded as an ally who prioritizes “The Golden Rule”—treating everyone with the same respect she wishes for herself.

The Heart of the Matter: Does Reba Have a Husband?

Reba McEntire is not married, but she is in one of the most stable and public relationships of her life.

Reba has been married twice. Her first marriage was to steer wrestler Charlie Battles (1976–1987). Her second, and most high-profile, was to her manager Narvel Blackstock (1989–2015). Their divorce after 26 years of marriage shocked the industry, especially since it was later revealed that the split was not Reba’s idea. Since the divorce, Reba has embraced her independence, focusing on her son, Shelby Blackstock, and her expanding “Reba” brand, which now includes restaurants and lifestyle lines.

Reba and Rex Linn: A Pandemic Love Story That’s Still Going Strong

The question on every fan’s lips is: Are Reba McEntire and Rex Linn still together? The answer is a resounding yes.

The pair, who first met in 1991 on the set of The Gambler Returns, didn’t spark a romance until early 2020. Their relationship blossomed during the COVID-19 pandemic, with Reba affectionately nicknaming Rex “Sugar Tot” and Rex calling her “Tater Tot.”

In 2026, their partnership is professional as well as personal. They have appeared together on the hit show Big Sky and Rex is a frequent fixture in the wings during Reba’s tapings for The Voice. While they haven’t walked down the aisle, Reba has described Rex as the “love of her life” and her “best friend.” They frequently share glimpses of their life on their Montana ranch and their travels on social media, proving that finding “the one” can happen at any stage of life.

Beyond her personal life, Reba remains a dominant force in entertainment. She recently opened her second “Reba’s Place” dining and entertainment venue and is rumored to be working on a new studio album that blends her traditional country roots with modern gospel influences. Whether she is mourning past losses, standing up for her fans, or laughing with Rex Linn, Reba McEntire continues to lead with a “fancy” heart and an unbreakable spirit.