Soft launch? That's so not Reba McEntire's style.

The renowned country singer, 70, stepped out with longtime partner Rex Linn at the 2025 Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, with a representative later confirming to USA TODAY that the two were engaged.

McEntire, clad in a sequined black blazer over a long black silk gown, posed hand in hand with Linn, 68, an actor whom she began dating in 2020.

The country star performed later during the show alongside fellow country act Little Big Town. They teamed up for a rendition of the "Golden Girls" theme song to honor the show's 40th anniversary.

McEntire and Linn's romance began during the pandemic, when the two connected after appearing on the show "Young Sheldon."

"He's a better cook than I am, so I like that, for sure. We love Longhorns, we love the cowboy way of life, cowgirl way of life, and we both got into the entertainment industry," she told Fox in May. "He's an actor. I'm a singer. I love to act. Now we act together.

On the red carpet ahead of the show, McEntire refused to name her favorite "Golden Girl," telling USA TODAY, "No, that's like who's your best friend in the whole wide world."

"But I think, maybe, I'm the Blanche," she added.

This is McEntire's first high-profile public appearance since losing her stepson, Brandon Blackstock, the ex-husband of fellow singer Kelly Clarkson, earlier this year. Blackstock died at 48 following a cancer battle.

"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," McEntire shared in an Aug. 12 Instagram post.

"There is no one else like him, and I’m thankful for the time we had together," she continued. "His legacy and laughter will be carried on through his family. Rest in peace cowboy. Happy trails to you til we meet again."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Reba McEntire confirms engagement to Rex Linn during Emmys date night

Reporting by Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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