Saying Goodbye: The End of an Era
When country duo Brooks & Dunn announced their retirement on August 10, 2009, fans were heartbroken. After nearly two decades of hits, their final tour, aptly titled “The Last Rodeo,” marked the end of a legendary chapter in country music.
Shortly after, the Academy of Country Music (ACM) organized a televised tribute special titled “ACM Presents: Brooks & Dunn – The Last Rodeo,” filmed live at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
The lineup featured some of the biggest names in the genre: Taylor Swift, George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood, and more—all performing the duo’s most beloved songs.
Tim McGraw’s Touching Tribute
One of the night’s most unforgettable moments came when Tim McGraw took the stage to perform “That Ain’t No Way To Go,” Brooks & Dunn’s chart-topping hit from 1994.
Before singing, McGraw addressed the crowd and shared his admiration for the duo:
“I remember hearing Brooks & Dunn on the radio back in 1991… I got really excited because I knew they were the new direction of country music. I’m just an old boy from Louisiana who was lucky enough to be a country singer during the era of the greatest duo that’s ever sang a song.”
His heartfelt introduction was followed by a raw, emotionally charged performance that silenced the room. McGraw’s rendition captured the heartbreak and beauty of the original song in a way only he could deliver.
The Story Behind “That Ain’t No Way To Go”
Written by Kix Brooks, Ronnie Dunn, and Don Cook, “That Ain’t No Way To Go” tells the story of a sudden breakup. A man is left stunned and heartbroken when his partner leaves without saying goodbye:
“That ain’t no way to go, girl, it just ain’t right. Don’t you think that I deserve to hear you say goodbye?”
The song was the fifth and final single from their 1993 album Hard Workin’ Man. It debuted at #55 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and climbed to #1, becoming the duo’s sixth No. 1 hit.
By the end of 1994, the track had earned the #11 spot on Billboard’s year-end country chart.
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Brooks & Dunn: A Legacy That Lives On
Though The Last Rodeo was intended as a farewell, Brooks & Dunn weren’t gone for long. In 2015, they reunited for a Las Vegas residency with Reba McEntire and have been back in the spotlight ever since.
They released two new albums — Reboot (2019) and Reboot II (2024) — and returned to touring together. In 2024, they were honored with the CMA Vocal Duo of the Year Award, their first win in that category since 2006.
They were also inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, cementing their place among the legends of the genre.
Final Thoughts
Tim McGraw’s emotional tribute to Brooks & Dunn is more than just a cover—it’s a moment that reminds us how deeply music can connect us. If you haven’t seen it yet, scroll back up and watch the video. Just make sure you have tissues nearby.
A powerful tribute to one of country music’s most iconic duos.
