Reba McEntire Reflects on Happiness, Love, and Finding Peace at 70
After five decades in the spotlight, Reba McEntire has reached a new kind of success—one that isn’t measured by awards or chart-topping hits, but by peace, presence, and gratitude. In a recent interview with PEOPLE, the country icon opened up about the joy she’s found in this stage of her life and the lesson that changed everything.
Living Her Happiest Years
At 70 years old, the three-time Grammy winner says she’s finally learned how to slow down and appreciate what’s right in front of her.
“I think I’m happier now than I’ve ever been in my life,” Reba said. “It’s amazing. It’s wonderful being 70 and getting to do what I get to do at the level I want to do it.”
Despite decades in music, television, and business, Reba shows no signs of stepping back. If anything, she’s more active than ever.
She’s currently appearing as a coach on Season 28 of NBC’s The Voice and preparing for Season 2 of her sitcom Happy’s Place, which became an instant hit following its 2024 debut.
Finding Love with Rex Linn
Reba’s happiness extends well beyond her professional life. In September 2025, she and longtime partner Rex Linn announced their engagement, marking a new beginning in her personal life.
“I’ve never been loved by a man like Rex Linn,” she said. “Rex is a very tender-hearted man, and I just love him with all my heart. He’s a good guy.”
Their love story has been years in the making. The pair, who first met decades ago, reconnected in 2020 and have been inseparable ever since.
The Hardest Lesson: Living in the Present
Reba admits that it took her many years to understand one of life’s most valuable lessons—to stop living for tomorrow or yesterday.
“The hardest lesson was to quit living for tomorrow and for yesterday,” she said. “That’s really hard to do, but it’s so rewarding when it clicks.”
For most of her career, she thought that being “content” meant settling or losing ambition. But she’s since learned that contentment and growth can go hand in hand.
“I used to think being content was a no-no, because if you’re content, you’re not going to strive to continue to do better. That’s not true,” she explained. “As I tell artists on The Voice, and anybody that ever asks me for advice, I’ll say, ‘Enjoy every minute.’”
No Plans to Retire
Though Reba has achieved just about everything a performer can, retirement isn’t on her radar.
“I don’t know when. It could be in 20 years,” she said. “I think I’ll know when it’s the time.”
She even discussed the topic with her friend Dolly Parton, who feels the same way about performing:
“Dolly said, ‘Why would I [retire]? What in the world could I do and have as much fun as what I’m doing in this job right now?’ I agree with her a hundred percent. Slow down, maybe, but no plans of retiring.”
Embracing the Present
For now, Reba is simply grateful—for her career, her love life, her health, and the peace that comes with age and perspective.
“I love this chapter in my life. I’m very grateful,” she concluded.
After a lifetime of performing, Reba McEntire isn’t chasing happiness anymore—she’s living it.