Watch the video at the end of this article.
Introduction
For decades, Ronnie Dunn has been regarded as one of country music’s most iconic voices — one half of the legendary duo Brooks & Dunn, whose songs helped shape an entire generation. But now, at 71, Ronnie is opening up about a part of his journey fans rarely saw: the price of life in the spotlight… and the regrets that still remain.
In a rare and deeply reflective interview, Ronnie shared about the years after Brooks & Dunn split — a time many assumed would be filled with peace, solo success, and creative freedom. Yet behind the curtain, the reality was far different.
“I thought I was ready to stand on my own,” Ronnie said softly. “But what I didn’t realize was… I felt more lost than ever.”
After decades of touring, writing, and performing alongside Kix Brooks, Ronnie suddenly found himself alone. While his solo career brought powerful songs and loyal fans, it also came with long stretches of isolation, self-doubt, and an aching sense that something was missing.
“I missed the brotherhood,” he admitted. “I missed the connection. The banter. The balance. When that ended… I lost my compass.”
What he regrets most, he says, isn’t that Brooks & Dunn ended — but how he handled it.
“I think I shut people out. I was too proud. I tried to act like I didn’t care — but I did. I cared more than I ever let on.”
Yet Ronnie doesn’t live in bitterness. Instead, he’s found a quiet redemption in recent years — through his marriage, through songwriting, and through his surprising reconnection with Kix Brooks, which led to their reunion tour.
“When we got back on stage together, it felt like coming home,” he said. “We didn’t fix everything overnight. But we found the rhythm again — and the respect.”
Ronnie also credits his wife, Janine, as the grounding force who stood by him through the hardest seasons.
“She’s seen me at my worst. But she never stopped believing there was more in me.”
Now, Ronnie has entered a new chapter — one no longer defined by fame, but by gratitude, clarity, and a deeper understanding of what truly matters.
“I’ve made mistakes,” he said. “But I’ve also been given grace. And I want to spend the rest of my life living up to that.”
Fans have always felt the ache in Ronnie’s voice — in songs like Cost of Livin’ and Bleed Red. Now we know: it wasn’t just performance. It was real life poured into music. The regret is still there, but so is the healing.
And for Ronnie Dunn, that’s what keeps the song alive.