Reba McEntire has stepped out for a date night with boyfriend Rex Linn one month after the death of her stepson, Brandon Blackstock.
McEntire, 70, and Linn, 68, walked the red carpet together ahead of the 2025 Emmys at the Peacock Theater at L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles on Sunday, September 14. The couple coordinated in all-black ensembles, with the “I’m a Survivor” singer wearing a sparkly blazer and the Rush Hour star sporting a suit and tie.
During the Emmys, McEntire will be joined by Little Big Town members Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman for a performance of the Golden Girls theme song, “Thank You For Being a Friend,” in honor of the sitcom’s 40th anniversary.
McEntire’s outing with Linn, whom she began dating in 2020, comes weeks after Blackstock’s death at 48 years old after a private battle with cancer.
“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away,” a rep for Blackstock’s family shared in a statement to Luxury Handbag Shopping on August 7. “Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years. He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.”
McEntire was married to Brandon’s dad, Narvel Blackstock, from 1989 to 2015. She remained close with Brandon after the marriage ended. The Happy’s Place star honored her late stepson via Instagram after his death, responding to a post from son Shelby Blackstock and sharing a tribute of her own.
“Words cannot begin to capture the tremendous loss our family has endured. Yesterday, we lost a brother, a father, a grandfather, and a son,” Shelby’s post read. “Brandon Blackstock was an irreplaceable part of our family — funny, bright, and full of life—and he will be deeply missed.”
McEntire responded, “Very well said Shelby. Yes we will miss him so much 💔💔🙏💔❤️❤️❤️🙏💔.”
Meanwhile, McEntire took to her page with a photo of herself and Brandon.
“Last week, my stepson/oldest son Brandon Blackstock went home to be with God. His struggle is over and he is in eternal peace in God’s presence,” she wrote. “There is no one else like him, and I’m thankful for the time we had together. His legacy and laughter will be carried on through his family. Rest in peace cowboy. Happy trails to you til we meet again.”
McEntire was there for Brandon in the months leading up to his death, a source told Us on August 8.
“Reba has spent more time with the Blackstock crew in the past year than in years prior,” the insider said, adding that past years were “contentious.”
The source continued, “They really came together. When she did her rodeo concert, which was a big deal for her, she flew out the entire family and they made a family vacation out of it. They all spent a lot of time together.”
Additionally, the source noted that Narvel, 69, and his wife, Laura Stroud, have gotten along well with Rex.
“Reba has a heart of gold, and she was there for Brandon and his kids [with ex-wife Kelly Clarkson, River, 11, and Remy, 9],” the source concluded. “They are family at the end of the day.”
