Fans are sending well-wishes to country music legend Ronnie Dunn after the 71-year-old unexpectedly walked offstage during a performance of “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” on April 3 in Indianapolis. The moment, captured on multiple fan videos, has fueled concern over Dunn’s health—especially following reports of recent illness.
Brooks & Dunn were in the middle of their Neon Moon Tour when Dunn began showing signs of discomfort during the show. At one point, he stepped back and sat down on the risers while singing. Later, during the high-energy encore of their 1992 hit “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” Dunn appeared visibly strained and allowed his bandmate, Kix Brooks, to take over the vocals.
In one fan-shared TikTok clip, Dunn turned to a band member and made a throat-slashing gesture, signaling that he couldn’t continue. He then faced the crowd, tapped his chest as if to say “I’m sorry,” and waved goodbye before walking off the stage.
Concerned concertgoers flooded social media with supportive messages, many noting that Dunn had been battling illness recently. Some said he’d been recovering from flu and strep throat, while others referenced a bout with COVID just weeks earlier.
“We were there and I was concerned about him, too. I remember him saying at one point that he could hardly breathe,” one fan wrote.
“Saw him at Houston Rodeo on 03/22… was just getting over COVID,” another commented.
“Saw them in Austin a couple weeks ago. He said flu/strep was killing him. No time off to get well,” shared another attendee.
Despite the scare, Dunn did return for the encore—though clearly not at full strength.
If his condition improves, Brooks & Dunn are expected to perform next in Peoria, Illinois (April 4) and Rosemont, Illinois (April 5) before taking a much-needed break. Their tour will resume April 24 in Des Moines, Iowa.
Fans everywhere are hoping the brief hiatus gives Ronnie time to fully recover, and are praising him for giving it his all despite being under the weather.