When Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn teamed up together after trying to pursue solo careers, their success as a duo wasn't something that they saw coming. Ronnie tells USA Today, "Brooks & Dunn caught us by surprise. It took off, and we rode that horse. As fast as we could." And, it worked because they stood out from the crowd. Kix explains, "We've never had very good harmonies, honestly. We've always bounced around in our own little worlds on the stage. It's been a unique and different kind of chemistry."  Due to those differences, breakup rumors swirled around them for years, although Dunn says that there has "never been a riff," but in the late 90s, the duo could have called it quits. At the time, Kix and Ronnie used separate producers and recorded at different sessions. Dunn admits, "Looking back, we should have just taken a break and let all the dust settle under us." But, instead they persevered, giving fans 10 more years of hits. 

As for the future? Ronnie jokes, "I've been kidding with people when they ask what I'm going to do. I tell them, 'I'm looking for a used van, a horse trailer to haul equipment, and a beer-joint band.'" On a more serious note, he reveals that he is working on a solo album that may be out as soon as late 2010 and says that he's "probably three-quarters of the way through it." Kix has plans to concentrate on a few of his already existing business ventures like the winery he co-owns but also wants to go the solo career route and continue writing. Brooks explains, "I'll try to find some hits in there. But I'd also like to write some songs that mean something from that singer/songwriter mentality that I come from. I've been chasing Guy Clark since I learned how to tune a guitar." When it comes time for the duo to part ways, they'll fondly look back on their years together and will leave on good terms. Ronnie calls Kix "a stand-up guy." He adds, "He'll come at you head-on. Whether I agree with it or not, he'll step up. That's good to be around." Kix shares, "I'm proud of [Ronnie]. He's a great singer and an amazing talent. When he's on, I just stand there some nights and I smile."