After decades of silence on some of the most personal chapters in his career, Ronnie Dunn, one half of the legendary country duo Brooks & Dunn, has finally opened up — and what he revealed has left fans stunned, nostalgic, and even emotional.
Now 71, Dunn recently sat down for a rare in-depth interview where he spoke candidly about the highs, the lows, and the untold stories behind one of country music’s most iconic partnerships. Known for hits like “Neon Moon,” “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” and “My Maria,” Brooks & Dunn defined the sound of ‘90s country and became one of the most awarded duos in music history.
But behind the scenes, not everything was as smooth as their harmonies.
“We were thrown together by the label,” Dunn revealed. “We didn’t grow up as best friends. We were two solo guys with strong opinions, strong styles — and suddenly, we were a team.”
According to Dunn, the chemistry on stage was real — electric, even. But off stage? It was sometimes tense, distant, and complicated.
“We were very different people. Kix is wild, outgoing, always on the move. I’m more reserved, introverted,” he said. “We butted heads more than people think. There were times we barely spoke off stage.”
Yet, despite personal differences, the music always pulled them back together.
“When we sang, all of that disappeared,” Dunn said. “There was something magical in those harmonies. We couldn’t deny it. The audience couldn’t deny it.”
One of the most shocking moments came when Dunn admitted that the 2010 breakup of the duo was something he had quietly anticipated for years — but never felt ready to confront.
“There were days I wanted out, but I didn’t know how to walk away from something so big. So meaningful,” he shared. “In the end, we both needed space — not out of anger, but because we were tired. And human.”
Despite the split, both Ronnie and Kix went on to pursue solo ventures, but fans always hoped for a reunion. That wish was granted when the duo reunited in 2015 and began performing together again — with renewed energy and mutual respect.
“Now, we get it,” Dunn said with a smile. “We understand each other better. We don’t take it for granted anymore.”
What’s perhaps most moving is Dunn’s reflection on their legacy — not just as entertainers, but as voices in people’s lives.
“I’ve had fans tell me our songs were their wedding dance, or what got them through heartbreak, or what they played at a loved one’s funeral,” he said. “That’s when you realize — it was never just about us. It was about what the music meant to them.”
Now, at 71, Ronnie Dunn says he’s more grateful than ever — for the fans, the journey, and yes, even the tension that helped shape the sound of a generation.
“We weren’t perfect,” he said. “But what we made together? That was real. And it still is.”
At 71, Ronnie Dunn Finally Opens Up About “Brooks and Dunn” … Try Not To Gasp
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqEH5GDJ09U