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Introduction
During a concert in Indianapolis on April 3, 2025, country music legend Ronnie Dunn of Brooks & Dunn abruptly left the stage during the duo’s encore performance of their hit song, “Boot Scootin’ Boogie.” The sudden departure sparked widespread concern among fans, many of whom had noticed he seemed to be struggling earlier in the show.
According to a representative for the band, Dunn’s early exit was due to an ongoing illness. A spokesperson confirmed that he “wasn’t feeling well from being sick,” and that he had been battling a combination of strep throat and COVID-19, which he jokingly referred to as “strovid.” Dunn had even mentioned his struggles with illness during a previous concert in Houston, noting that “the flu and strep aren’t a singer’s friend.”
Videos from the Indianapolis show circulated online, showing a weary Dunn at times sitting on stage risers. During the encore, he was seen telling the crowd to “sing it if you know it” before signaling to his band that he was done. He then patted his chest, waved to the audience, and walked off stage. Fans who were at the show also noted that his voice sounded “winded” at times, and some claimed he had left the stage briefly earlier in the concert due to difficulty breathing.
Despite the health scare and the abrupt end to the performance, a representative for the band confirmed that Dunn was recovering and that the tour would continue as scheduled. He returned to the stage for their next show just two days later. The incident, while concerning for fans, highlighted Dunn’s dedication to performing even while battling a serious illness.