Reba McEntire and her longtime boyfriend, actor Rex Linn, have a fun and unique way of celebrating Valentine’s Day. Instead of dressing up for a fancy restaurant or indulging in an expensive meal, they stick to a simple tradition that has become a special part of their relationship.
While many couples opt for romantic candlelit dinners featuring steak or seafood, Reba and Rex prefer something much more laid-back. Every year, without fail, they head to Sonic for their Valentine’s Day meal.
“It’s a ritual,” Reba shared in a 2024 interview with TODAY. Their love for Sonic even caught the attention of the fast-food chain, which led to the couple promoting the restaurant’s “Sweetheart Meal” for Valentine’s Day that year.
Their love story started in 2020 when they went out to dinner with friends. During that meal, Reba, who has always been open about her love for classic comfort foods, was thrilled to see tater tots on the menu. Her excitement didn’t go unnoticed. Rex found it adorable and started calling her “Tater Tot.” Over time, Reba gave him his own nickname—“Sugar Tot.” Now, they affectionately refer to themselves as “The Tots.”
Since tater tots played such a big role in their story, it only made sense to celebrate their relationship by heading to Sonic every Valentine’s Day. “Every year, it’s an ongoing thing with us: The Tots go to Sonic,” Reba told TODAY.
Reba also talked about their tradition during a 2023 conversation with country music legend Garth Brooks. She explained that Rex is always the one who buys the meal, and instead of sitting inside the restaurant, they enjoy their food right in the car.
“We love Sonic tater tots. They’re absolutely wonderful,” Reba said. “And to go in there and get a #1 cheeseburger with everything on it and tater tots? Man, that’s a great Valentine’s dinner. We loved it, sat right there in the car and ate it.”
@reba The perfect date must include tater tots. #TheTots Pre-order my new book #NotThatFancy with a special forward from my friend Garth Brooks on @TalkShopLive 🛒 at the link in bio!
♬ original sound – Reba McEntire
Their Valentine’s Day tradition proves that romance doesn’t have to be extravagant. Sometimes, the simplest things—like sharing a favorite meal with the right person—are the most meaningful.
Reba and Rex Star Together in Happy’s Place
Reba and Rex’s strong connection goes beyond their personal life. They also love working together and have appeared in multiple projects as a couple. Since they started dating, they’ve shared the screen in The Hammer and Big Sky, and now, they star together in the NBC sitcom Happy’s Place.
The show follows Reba’s character, Bobbie, as she navigates an unexpected family discovery. After her father’s passing, she learns that she has a younger half-sister, Isabella. The two must learn how to work together while running their late father’s tavern, creating plenty of drama and comedy along the way.
Rex plays Emmett, the tavern’s cook. He comes across as gruff and no-nonsense, but beneath the surface, he has a softer side—especially when it comes to Bobbie. His character adds depth to the show, making their on-screen chemistry even more enjoyable for fans.
Reba and Rex aren’t the only familiar faces in Happy’s Place. The show also stars Reba’s longtime friend and former Reba sitcom co-star, Melissa Peterman. Melissa plays Gabby, the tavern’s bartender, and has nothing but sweet things to say about Reba and Rex’s dynamic on set.
“We’ll be on a break, and I’ll look over and see them sitting in a booth like they’re on a real date. They’re just so cute together,” Melissa shared.
Their easygoing relationship and strong bond make them a joy to watch, both on and off the screen. Whether they’re sharing a cheeseburger in the car or starring in a TV show together, it’s clear that Reba and Rex make a great team.
As Valentine’s Day rolls around again, there’s no doubt “The Tots” will be keeping their tradition alive—enjoying their favorite tater tots and celebrating their love in the most Reba-and-Rex way possible.
