After Decades of Headlining, Ronnie Dunn Reveals His Initial Reaction to Opening for Morgan Wallen

After decades as country headliners, Ronnie Dunn said it felt uncomfortable for Brooks & Dunn to open for Morgan Wallen in packed stadiums. He later saw the shows as a valuable way to introduce the duo’s music to younger fans and a link between generations of country music.

Dunn said the pair considered the implications and public perceptions before accepting the invitation. At their own shows, he said, about 80% of the audience indicated it was their first time seeing Brooks & Dunn. Wallen told Dunn he invited them partly in response to people who say he is “not country enough”; Dunn praised Wallen and his team for treating the duo well.