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Introduction
At 71, Ronnie Dunn has finally opened up about what really happened with Brooks & Dunn, giving fans a rare glimpse into the ups and downs of one of country music’s most successful duos.
In a candid interview celebrating his milestone birthday, Dunn revealed that the pair’s 2010 “breakup” was not a dramatic falling out as many had speculated, but rather a much-needed pause after nearly two decades of relentless touring and recording. “We were burned out,” he admitted, explaining that the duo had been on the road almost nonstop since the early 1990s, playing to sold-out arenas, releasing hit after hit, and constantly feeling the pressure to outdo themselves. Dunn shared that he and Kix Brooks remained close friends throughout the hiatus, often speaking on the phone and supporting each other’s solo ventures.
The decision to reunite in 2015 for the Las Vegas residency with Reba McEntire came, he said, from a place of renewed energy and mutual respect. Dunn also spoke about the toll that life on the road took on his health and family life, something he says he’s learned to balance better as he’s gotten older. “I had to learn to slow down, to take care of my voice and my body if I wanted to keep doing this,” he said, referencing the recent health scares that worried fans during live shows. He emphasized that Brooks & Dunn’s longevity is not just about commercial success but about friendship, trust, and the ability to evolve together as artists. Dunn even laughed about how arguments between him and Kix usually lasted “about ten minutes” before they moved on. Reflecting on their legacy, he said that he’s proud of how the duo helped bring country music to a wider audience and inspired a new generation of performers. As he looks ahead, Dunn says there’s still more music to make and more stages to play, but on their own terms this time. Fans have responded warmly to his honesty, flooding social media with messages of gratitude for sharing the story behind the music that shaped their lives.