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\nHe eventually thought he found it \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
Rex Linn\u2019s first attempt at proposing to Reba McEntire was far more dramatic than anyone expected \u2014 and it all came down to a leopard problem.<\/p>\n
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\u2019t his original plan at all.<\/p>\n
During an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, the couple participated in a \u201cCouple\u2019s Challenge,\u201d where Rex shared the hilarious and unexpected story behind his first failed proposal attempt.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI took the ring with me,\u201d Rex said. \u201cI was just waiting to find the right moment.\u201d
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\nHe eventually thought he found it \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs we\u2019re driving, I said, \u2018I\u2019m thinking of proposing to Reba\u2026 maybe down there.\u2019 And he looks at me and says, \u2018Well, brother\u2026 that\u2019s an evening migratory walkway for male leopards. It wouldn\u2019t be a good time.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
Reba \u2014 and the entire audience \u2014 burst into laughter as Rex finished the story:<\/p>\n
\u201cI knew right then I was done searching for proposal spots. I thought, \u2018Yeah\u2026 I\u2019ll back off that one.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
Eventually, he did find the perfect moment \u2014 back home in Tennessee.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI said, \u2018What are you doing?\u2019 And he said, \u2018Would you marry me? I want to cross the finish line with you.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
She was so overwhelmed that she briefly forgot to answer.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe said, \u2018You\u2019re not saying anything!\u2019 And finally I said, \u2018Well, yes! YES!\u2019 He thought he might have to jump into the creek,\u201d she joked.<\/p>\n
Despite the leopard detour, the proposal turned into the perfect moment \u2014 just at the right time and place.
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