Everyone thought that was it. Back in August 2009, when Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn posted that short, cryptic message on their website saying they were "calling it a day," the country music world collectively lost its mind. It felt like the end of an era because, well, it was. They had been the undisputed kings of the duo category for twenty years.
Brooks & Dunn Last Rodeo wasn't just a farewell tour; it was a victory lap for two guys who honestly didn't even know each other when their label boss, Tim DuBois, shoved them together in 1990.
The tour itself, which spanned most of 2010, was a massive production. People were crying in the front rows. Fans were wearing vintage 90s tour tees. There was this heavy, bittersweet feeling in the air every time Ronnie hit that high note in "Believe" or Kix did his signature duck-walk across the stage with a Flying V guitar.
But looking back from 2026, the "Last Rodeo" title feels a little ironic, doesn't it?
The Breakup That Wasn't a Blowout
You've probably heard the rumors. People love a good drama, so they started whispering about massive backstage brawls or some deep-seated hatred between the two. The "separate tour buses" thing was always used as evidence.
Honestly? It was way more boring than that.
Kix later explained to CMT that they just didn't want to ride the horse until it fell over. "It’s too good a horse to ride it into the ground," he said. They were tired. After 20 years of being "Brooks & Dunn," the brand had become a bit of a cage. Ronnie wanted to explore a more soulful, solo sound. Kix had his radio show and his vineyard.
📖 Related: Isaiah Washington Movies and Shows: Why the Star Still Matters
They weren't fighting. They were just... done.
The Last Rodeo Tour was designed to be the final chapter of the book. They hit the road one last time to say thanks to the fans who, as Kix famously put it, "paid our rent for the last twenty years." The setlist was a monster. We're talking 23 number-one hits. You couldn't go five minutes without hearing a song that defined someone’s high school prom or their first heartbreak.
What Really Happened at the Final Show
The tour wrapped up on September 2, 2010, at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. If you weren't there, it’s hard to describe the energy. It wasn't a funeral, even though the industry treated it like one. Kix actually walked out and told the crowd, "We did show up to party."
They played "Brand New Man"—their very first single—to close the night. It was poetic.
- The Guest List: Reba McEntire showed up, obviously. She’s basically the third member of the family.
- The Emotion: Ronnie was uncharacteristically chatty. Kix was as high-energy as ever.
- The Charity: They turned the final night into a fundraiser for the Country Music Hall of Fame.
When they walked off stage that night, Kix gave Ronnie a little playful shove. That was it. The lights went down, the cowboy hats were packed away, and everyone assumed the Brooks & Dunn chapter was closed for good.
The 2015 "Oops" and the Residency
Here is the thing about country music retirements: they rarely stick. Just ask Garth Brooks.
👉 See also: Temuera Morrison as Boba Fett: Why Fans Are Still Divided Over the Daimyo of Tatooine
By 2015, the "Last Rodeo" started looking more like a "Short Nap." They reunited for a residency at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas with Reba. It turns out, after a few years of solo projects and living normal lives, they actually missed the noise. Or maybe they just missed each other.
Ronnie told People magazine during that time that there was never a "rift." They just needed a break. That "break" gave them the perspective to realize they could still be Brooks & Dunn without it being a 24/7 grind.
Why the Last Rodeo Still Matters Today
In 2026, we see the duo more active than ever. They just finished the Neon Moon Tour and are gearing up to join Morgan Wallen on his "Still The Problem Tour" later this year. They’re even headlining C2C in Europe this March.
So, was the Last Rodeo a lie?
Not really. At the time, they meant it. It represents a specific moment in country music history where the "90s sound" officially transitioned into something new. It was the last time we saw them as a constant, year-round touring machine. Now, they're legacy acts—honored members of the Hall of Fame who play when they want to, not because they have to.
Key Lessons from the Brooks & Dunn Legacy
If you're a fan trying to make sense of the timeline, here is the reality:
✨ Don't miss: Why Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy Actors Still Define the Modern Spy Thriller
- Burnout is real. Even if you're making millions, twenty years of sharing a "brand" with another person is exhausting.
- The "Separate Bus" Myth. Most duos have separate buses. It's not about hate; it's about not wanting to smell your coworker's socks for 300 days a year.
- Legacy over Longevity. They chose to quit while they were still selling out arenas, which preserved their dignity.
Your Brooks & Dunn Action Plan
If you're looking to relive the magic or catch them in this "reboot" era, here is what you should do:
Check the 2026 Schedule: They aren't doing 100-date runs anymore. If they’re at a festival near you (like Stagecoach or Two Step Inn), buy the tickets now. They don't owe us any more tours, so every show could actually be the real last one.
Listen to the "Reboot" Album: If you only know the 90s versions of their hits, go listen to the 2019 Reboot project. Hearing them collaborate with guys like Luke Combs and Jon Pardi shows why their songwriting still holds up.
Visit the Hall of Fame: If you're in Nashville, go see their exhibit. It puts the "Last Rodeo" into context alongside their 30 million albums sold.
The Last Rodeo wasn't the end of their lives, just the end of an era. It’s okay to admit they tricked us a little bit—honestly, most of us are just glad they’re still around to play "Neon Moon" one more time.