By duyen be 
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Introduction
There are stars, and then there is Reba McEntire. Seated in a plush armchair that seems almost too small for her larger-than-life presence, she exudes an unmistakable warmth, a blend of Oklahoman hospitality and the quiet confidence of a woman who has navigated the treacherous waters of fame for over four decades. At 68, an age when many consider slowing down, McEntire is embarking on a new, highly visible chapter: taking her seat in the iconic spinning red chair on NBC’s ‘The Voice.’
This new role, stepping in for long-time coach and friend Blake Shelton, serves as the catalyst for a wide-ranging conversation that touches on the pillars of her life: the music that is her bedrock, the grit that defines her success, and the late-in-life love that has brought a new, brilliant light to her eyes.
The weight of her new television gig is not lost on her. Replacing a figure as beloved as Shelton is a monumental task, but Reba approaches it with her signature mix of grace and competitive fire.
“It’s a big chair to fill, and I have all the respect in the world for what Blake built on this show,” McEntire tells CNN, her expression earnest. “But I’m not here to be the next Blake. I’m here to be Reba. I’m here to find incredible talent, to nurture them, and, let’s be honest,” she adds with a sly grin, “I’m here to win. That part never gets old.”
Her presence has already made a significant impact on set. Fellow coach Gwen Stefani, who has shared the stage with a roster of music legends, speaks of McEntire with a palpable sense of awe.
“Having Reba on set is a masterclass in professionalism and heart,” Stefani shared in a separate interview when asked about the new dynamic. “She walks in, and the whole room shifts. She has this incredible grace, but don’t let that fool you for a second—she’s a shark! She knows exactly what she wants for her team, and her musical knowledge is just astounding. Then, five minutes later, she’ll have everyone in stitches with a story. She is the absolute real deal, a true queen.”
This ability to be both a formidable businesswoman and a disarmingly genuine person is the secret to her enduring success. From multi-platinum albums to a hit sitcom, Broadway, and now primetime TV, her career is a testament to relentless hard work and an unwillingness to be placed in a box.
“Success isn’t a destination you just arrive at one day,” Reba reflects, leaning forward. “It’s the daily business of showing up. It’s treating people with respect, whether it’s the network CEO or the person bringing you a coffee. You have to love the work more than you love the applause. The work is what lasts.”
But perhaps the most revealing part of the conversation comes when the topic turns to her personal life. For years after her divorce, her focus remained squarely on her career and family. Then came actor Rex Linn. The joy she speaks of is not the fleeting, dramatic romance of a country song, but something deeper, more settled.
“To find a partner like Rex at this stage in my life… well, it’s a gift I don’t take for granted for a single second,” she says, her voice softening. A source close to the family later confirmed this sentiment, noting that they’ve “never seen her this content and joyful.”
Reba’s eyes light up as she continues. “We’re ‘tater tots.’ We just fit. We can talk for hours, or we can just sit in comfortable silence. He’s my biggest cheerleader, and I am his. It’s a love that’s calm and sure, and after all this time, it’s just absolutely wonderful.”
As the interview concludes, the picture is clear. Reba McEntire isn’t just a country music icon reflecting on a storied past. She is a woman fully present, embracing a new challenge on ‘The Voice,’ grounded by a lifetime of success, and buoyed by a love that proves the best chapters can be written at any time. The red chair is just her latest throne.