They’ve hosted, they’ve won, they’ve lasted.. and now the legendary duo of Brooks and Dunn are being honored by the ACMs.
2025 marks not only the 60th anniversary of the Academy of Country Music Awards, but also the 35th anniversary of country duo Brooks and Dunn.
In fact, Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn have won more ACM Awards than any other duo.
So it’s only fitting that the ACMs are throwing the spotlight on the pair. Not only will the duo be featured performers when the ACMs go live, the vocalists were also honored with a special pre-ACM gala Wednesday night, May 7.
The “Play Something Country Gala” was put on by the Academy and ACM Lifting Lives, with country media personality Bobby Bones hosting.
The gala featured performances by Eric Church, Cody Johnson, Megan Moroney, Keith Urban and Lainey Wilson, all performing Brooks and Dunn hits.
Brooks & Dunn Aren’t Slowing Down
And 72-year-old Ronnie Dunn and 69-year-old Kix Brooks aren’t slowing down.
Not only will the pair perform during the ACM Awards, they’re also nominated for Duo of the Year.
A win would make that their 26th ACM. Big wins in the past include Entertainer of the Year in 2002, and Song of the Year in 2006, for their song “Believe,” which was co-written by Dunn.
The two men also took home the Cliffie Stone Icon Award in 2019. The ACM says the award “honors individuals who have significantly advanced the popularity and influence of country music through their multifaceted contributions to the industry. It recognizes individuals who have impacted country music through various avenues like recording, songwriting, production, touring, film, television, and philanthropic efforts.”
Legendary Duo Continues to Tour
The duo continues to tour as well. Though in April, Ronnie Dunn had to leave the stage near the end of a concert. Alarmed fans caught the incident on video. Dunn had been open about battling both strep throat and COVID while on the road, and confirmed he was losing his voice when he exited the stage.
But now it’s full steam ahead, with the pair headlining the CMA Fest in Nashville June 5.
Then they’ll join Morgan Wallen on his “I’m the Problem” tour. The pair will weave six stops in with Wallen while continuing their “Neon Moon” tour through early October.
And that’s the way they like it. In a 2022 interview with the Tennessean, Dunne said, “We’re still The Rolling Stones mixed with a little Merle Haggard. Nothing’s changed or slowed down.”
And Brooks added, “No matter how old we get or whatever, we play from the heart. Somewhere around the age of 35, you figure out exactly who you’re gonna be. And I decided I’d be someone who was going to crank up my guitar and slinging [music] hard.”
How to Watch Brooks & Dunn on the ACMs
The ACM Awards hosted by Reba McEntire will stream live exclusively on Amazon’s Prime Video at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. on May 8.
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ACMs Celebrate Legends Brooks & Dunn