Country superstar Reba McEntire and actor Rex Linn share more than just a life together; they share a profound love for the “cowboy way of life,” a passion exemplified by their growing family of farm animals, including their internet-famous miniature donkeys, Haggard and Jones. This real-life connection deeply resonates with their roles as Bobbie and Emmett on NBC’s hit series, ‘Happy’s Place,’ offering fans a glimpse into the genuine spirit of this beloved couple.
Before they captivated audiences as the charming bar owner Bobbie and short-order cook Emmett on NBC’s ‘Happy’s Place,’ Reba McEntire and Rex Linn were busy cultivating a different kind of magic: a vibrant farm life. The engaged couple, who announced their engagement in September 2025, have steadily expanded their barnyard crew, a testament to their deep-rooted love for the “cowboy way of life.”
Their journey as animal parents took an adorable turn in 2023 with the adoption of two miniature donkeys, whose charming antics have since made them internet sensations and a beloved part of the McEntire-Linn household.
Meet Haggard and Jones: The Miniature Donkey Duo Stealing Hearts
In 2023, the couple officially welcomed two miniature donkeys, affectionately named Haggard and Jones, into their family. The adoption, facilitated by Fabled Farm Rescue & Sanctuary, a Tennessee-based non-profit, was celebrated on social media with a heartwarming video of McEntire and Linn meeting their new pets. Fans delighted in seeing the couple interact with their new additions, with Linn playfully calling one a “little pig” as the donkeys eagerly snatched treats from his hands.
These adorable equines quickly rose to fame in 2024 when McEntire, a coach on ‘The Voice,’ jokingly acknowledged their newfound celebrity at the Academy of Country Music Awards. She quipped about their viral status following a TikTok video where she appeared “exhausted” feeding them while her 2001 hit “I’m a Survivor” played in the background. “They have one hit,” McEntire stated, adding with a laugh, “and they’ve turned into total a—es.” This playful banter only endeared the donkeys, and their famous parents, further to fans.
Expanding the Barnyard Crew: Poncho, Mr. Pecker, and More
Haggard and Jones joined an already bustling farm family. The McEntire-Linn ranch is home to a diverse array of animals, including:
- Another beloved donkey named Poncho
- Several majestic horses
- A chicken with a memorable name, Mr. Pecker
McEntire has often shared glimpses of her animal companions on social media, showcasing her genuine connection with each one. In a humorous series of posts around Christmas 2020, she even described how Poncho and the horses got their “feelings hurt” if she posted photos with one animal but not others, playfully warning fans, “Please don’t tell Lefty” – leaving the identity of “Lefty” a delightful mystery for her followers to ponder.
Living the “Cowboy Way of Life”: Roots in Oklahoma and Beyond
The shared love for ranch life and animals is a cornerstone of McEntire and Linn’s relationship. Both hail from Oklahoma, a state deeply ingrained with cowboy culture. “Rex and I get along in every aspect,” McEntire told FOX, emphasizing their mutual appreciation. “We love the cowboy way of life, cowgirl way of life.”
For McEntire, this lifestyle is not a choice but a heritage. She famously declared to The Wall Street Journal in 2024, “I didn’t play cowgirl growing up. I was one.” She recalled growing up on an expansive 8,000-acre ranch in Chockie, Oklahoma, where her father managed thousands of cattle annually. Her involvement started early, at just five years old, illustrating a childhood steeped in the realities of ranch work.
Rex Linn’s path also reflects a profound connection to animals. Before his successful acting career, he aspired to be a veterinarian. His early experiences included working at the Oklahoma City Zoo in the 1970s, a period he cherishes. “All I wanted to do was be around the animals,” Linn shared in a 2010 interview with Oklahoma State University, adding that his time at the zoo remains “one of the highlights of my life.” This background makes his embrace of farm life with McEntire a natural extension of his lifelong passion.
Farm Life to ‘Happy’s Place’: Blurring the Lines
The authentic, down-to-earth persona that McEntire and Linn exhibit in their farm life undoubtedly shines through in their roles on ‘Happy’s Place.’ Set in Knoxville, Tennessee, the show captures a slice of life that resonates with their personal values. The series even promises to introduce some “furry friends” – albeit in a humorous, quirky way – in its upcoming season.
The ‘Happy’s Place‘ Season 2 trailer teases this with scenes such as Bobbie’s younger half-sister, Isabella (Belissa Escobedo), walking into the bar with a taxidermied raccoon, and bartender Gabby (Melissa Peterman) attempting to catch a loose mouse. This blend of heartwarming storytelling and comedic chaos is characteristic of the series, which also features a talented cast including Pablo Castelblanco and Tokala Black Elk.
Fans eager to catch more of McEntire and Linn’s on-screen chemistry, and perhaps a nod to their beloved barnyard, can mark their calendars. ‘Happy’s Place‘ Season 2 premieres on Friday, November 7 at 8/7c on NBC and will be available to stream the next day on Peacock.
A Genuine Connection Resonating with Fans
From the charming antics of Haggard and Jones to the shared dedication to their Oklahoma roots and ranching heritage, Reba McEntire and Rex Linn embody a lifestyle that is both authentic and deeply endearing. Their genuine connection, both to each other and to their beloved animals, provides a heartwarming backdrop to their successful careers and personal lives, creating a powerful resonance with fans who appreciate their enduring “cowboy way of life.”
