Melissa Peterman, known for her role in the sitcom “Reba,” has expressed her determination to contribute to her friend Reba McEntire’s wedding by volunteering to make the wedding cake. The announcement came during the 37th Annual GLAAD Media Awards held in Los Angeles on 5th March, where Peterman enthusiastically told PEOPLE, “I will bake her wedding cake. I got to start because that’s going to be a lot. I would make her wedding cake. Yes, I will make your wedding cake, Reba McEntire.”
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Peterman, aged 54, is excited about the project and has started to brainstorm flavour and design ideas for the cake. She mentioned her plan to incorporate a banana pudding flavour complemented with Nilla Wafers. “I will make a bride and groom on the top out of Nilla Wafers, which she’ll love,” added Peterman with palpable enthusiasm. Her light-hearted nature shines through her willingness to take on the cake-baking task, showcasing the depth of their friendship.
Reba McEntire, who is 70, is currently engaged to Rex Linn, her co-star from “Happy’s Place.” In the NBC sitcom, McEntire portrays a character named Bobbie, who inherits a bar in Knoxville, Tennessee, after her father’s passing. Peterman plays Gabby, a bartender at the same establishment, which connects the two actresses both personally and professionally.
In her interview, Peterman also shared her previous struggles in selecting gifts for McEntire due to the star’s already abundant possessions. She reflected on her dilemma, stating, “What do you buy somebody who has so much? Also, those things don’t impress her. Things that are thoughtful impress her.” To that end, Peterman has opted for homemade gifts in the past, such as candles and a personalised pillow featuring a photograph of Linn’s late dog.
Moreover, Peterman has baked cakes for both McEntire and Linn on their birthdays, revealing, “I made her a banana pudding cake. And then for Rex’s, I made a strawberry shortcake.” Her approach to gift-giving focuses on heartfelt gestures, though she admitted that shopping for McEntire can be challenging. “But really, she’s simple in the way that something that’s from your heart she will love,” she explained, highlighting the genuine nature of their friendship.
Last November, Peterman expressed her enthusiasm about McEntire’s upcoming wedding and discussed the role she hoped to play in the ceremony. “Well, I have officiated four weddings now,” she noted at The Paley Center for Media’s Paley Honors Gala. Peterman has officiated for her TV sons from “Baby Daddy,” as well as for her TV husband and niece, giving her confidence in her ability to contribute to McEntire’s special day.
Additionally, Peterman revealed that she previously hinted at the idea of officiating McEntire’s wedding to both the bride and groom. “I would sing, which would be very intimidating to sing at her wedding,” she confessed. However, her main priority is to celebrate the joyous occasion, saying, “Any capacity, any capacity, any and all. I’m ready to serve whatever she needs.”
McEntire and Linn got engaged on Christmas Eve of 2024, although the engagement news was only shared publicly in September 2025. Peterman had been aware of the proposal earlier and described the experience of keeping it a secret as a challenge. “Yes, especially when it’s a joyous secret… one that’s full of joy,” she remarked. Reflecting on McEntire’s happiness, Peterman added, “I just have never seen her happier, more at ease, more comfortable. It’s lovely to watch.”
As the countdown to McEntire’s wedding continues, Peterman’s commitment to making the wedding cake signifies a special bond between the two women, further enriched by their shared history in the television industry. Peterman’s heartfelt gestures, from baking to officiating, illustrate her eagerness to celebrate McEntire’s love story while reaffirming the strong friendship they have cultivated over the years.