NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The first song Brooks & Dunn ever sang together has become their last.
The country music duo closed out a 20-year career at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena on Thursday night with their 1991 debut single, "Brand New Man," during the encore.
The sold-out show was the final stop on their Last Rodeo Tour and doubled as a fundraiser for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Kix Brooks said early in the night, "This isn't a funeral. We did show up to party."
They ran through many of their 23 No. 1 hits, including "Neon Moon," "My Maria," "Red Dirt Road" and "Boot Scootin' Boogie." Reba McEntire made the only guest appearance, singing a few lines during "Cowgirls Don't Cry."
Both Brooks and Ronnie Dunn joked about the reasons for their split. Brooks blamed it on his crazy concert ideas, like picking old songs and hoping the crowd would help if he forgot the words. Dunn said he was jealous of the cowboy hats Brooks got to wear all these years. Dunn explained that it was the reason he got a tattoo of the word "Cowboy" on his right forearm.
Brooks acknowledged those in the audience who played a part in the duo's success, including songwriters and people behind the scenes. In a nod to the fans, he said, "Most importantly, to the people who paid our rent for the last twenty years, all I can say is, 'Thanks.'"
Walking off stage for the final time, Brooks gave Dunn a playful push.
The duo has sold more than 30 million albums and won more than 80 major industry awards.
