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Introduction
Ronnie Dunn Finally Speaks Out on the Breakup of Brooks & Dunn
For years, Brooks & Dunn stood as an unshakable pillar of American country music. With countless No. 1 singles, shelves of awards, and millions of loyal fans, the duo seemed unstoppable. But behind the fame and flashing lights was a far more complicated story — one that Ronnie Dunn, the quieter voice of the pair, is only now openly sharing.
Dunn’s early life was rooted in faith, with plans to become a preacher before music took hold of him, guiding him from tiny bar stages to country superstardom. Kix Brooks, meanwhile, was a restless lyricist and storyteller with a love for Southern sound. Their paths converged in 1990, when Arista Nashville executive Tim DuBois paired the two musicians together — a move that would change country music history.
With hits like Brand New Man, Boot Scootin’ Boogie, and My Maria, Brooks & Dunn revived country music’s presence in the mainstream. Yet, behind the curtain, tensions brewed: creative clashes, exhaustion from endless touring, and the pressure to remain perfect icons. After their 1999 album Tight Rope failed to meet expectations, the duo almost went their separate ways. A nudge from their label persuaded them to give it one more shot, which resulted in the triumphant albums Steers and Stripes and Red Dirt Road.
Then, in 2010, they stunned fans by announcing their farewell tour, The Last Rodeo. But the connection between the two never completely dissolved. By 2015, they were back together, launching a successful Las Vegas residency with Reba McEntire and later releasing Reboot and Reboot 2, reimagining their classics with a new generation of country stars.
In April 2025, concern rippled through the fanbase when Dunn left the stage mid-show in Indianapolis. The clip went viral, but he later revealed he was suffering from both the flu and strep throat. Rather than risk a disappointing performance, he left the stage after signaling his appreciation to the crowd — a moment that touched fans deeply.
Now in their 70s, Brooks & Dunn remain road warriors, proving that their partnership is more than music — it’s about perseverance, brotherhood, and a legacy that continues to shape country music today.
Video
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