Rex Linn’s first attempt at proposing to Reba McEntire was far more dramatic than anyone expected — and it all came down to a leopard problem.

In early September, Reba and Rex publicly confirmed their engagement during a red carpet interview at the Primetime Emmy Awards. But privately, Rex had already proposed months earlier, on Christmas Eve. As it turns out, that wasn’t his original plan at all.

During an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, the couple participated in a “Couple’s Challenge,” where Rex shared the hilarious and unexpected story behind his first failed proposal attempt.

He explained that while they were on a trip to Africa in June 2024, he secretly brought the ring with him, hoping to pop the question in a beautiful spot during one of their safari outings.

“I took the ring with me,” Rex said. “I was just waiting to find the right moment.”

He eventually thought he found it — a quiet, scenic meadow near a small watering hole. Before going through with it, he asked their safari guide, named Mumps, what he thought of the location.

“As we’re driving, I said, ‘I’m thinking of proposing to Reba… maybe down there.’ And he looks at me and says, ‘Well, brother… that’s an evening migratory walkway for male leopards. It wouldn’t be a good time.’”

Reba — and the entire audience — burst into laughter as Rex finished the story:

“I knew right then I was done searching for proposal spots. I thought, ‘Yeah… I’ll back off that one.’”

Eventually, he did find the perfect moment — back home in Tennessee.

Reba later shared the story with USA TODAY, explaining that the two were enjoying a walk on their ranch when Rex suddenly got down on one knee.

“I said, ‘What are you doing?’ And he said, ‘Would you marry me? I want to cross the finish line with you.’”

She was so overwhelmed that she briefly forgot to answer.

“He said, ‘You’re not saying anything!’ And finally I said, ‘Well, yes! YES!’ He thought he might have to jump into the creek,” she joked.

Despite the leopard detour, the proposal turned into the perfect moment — just at the right time and place.