BROOKS & DUNN ARE WORKING ON THEIR FIRST NEW ALBUM SINCE 2007 — CBS MORNINGS INTERVIEW & CMA AWARD HONOR

Brooks & Dunn have confirmed they are working on their first album of brand-new songs in nearly 20 years. The country duo — Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn — shared the news in a CBS Mornings interview with host David Begnaud, recorded backstage at the Cajundome in Lafayette, Louisiana, ahead of a Neon Moon Tour 2026 show. It is their first album of original songs since Cowboy Town in 2007.

Image: CBS Mornings / CBS News (video still) — Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn, October 2026

What Brooks & Dunn Said

In the interview, recorded backstage at the Cajundome in Lafayette, Louisiana, ahead of a Neon Moon Tour 2026 show, Dunn explained that the pair are already deep into the process of writing and choosing songs for the new record. The news was first reported by Whiskey Riff on October 24, 2026, followed by Saving Country Music on October 25, 2026, and Taste of Country and PopCrush on October 27, 2026.

"We're compromising right now. We're working on a new record. You talk about the ultimate compromise. As songwriters, we're firing stuff back and forth, you know, we're criticizing one another's music... I want all my songs on there, he wants all his songs on there. So we have to work that stuff out. And you sweat and bleed every word."

— Ronnie Dunn

No album title, tracklist or release date has been announced yet. Dunn had hinted at new music in September 2026, replying to a fan online: "New music is ready and ON THE WAY!"

Why This Album Matters

Brooks & Dunn formed in 1990 and released their debut album, Brand New Man, in 1991 on Arista Nashville. They went on to score 20 Billboard No. 1 country singles, making them the best-selling duo in country-music history. For the full story of their rise, read our Brooks & Dunn biography.

Their last album of original songs was Cowboy Town in 2007. Since then, the duo have revisited their catalog rather than recording new material: Reboot (2019) and Reboot II (2024) were re-recordings of classic songs with younger artists, not original albums.

Brooks & Dunn were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2019 and have won 2 Grammy Awards.

CMA Awards Honor

Brooks & Dunn will receive the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award at the 60th CMA Awards on November 18, 2026. The honor recognizes their lasting contribution to country music and arrives just as they prepare to return with new songs. For more on this year's ceremony, see our coverage of the 60th CMA Awards 2026.

In other music news, read our Cody Jinks biography, explore the Origins 1971-1978 box set — Tom Petty, and find out why Rush announce Sphere residency in Las Vegas.

Watch the Interview

Watch the full CBS Mornings interview below, in which Brooks & Dunn talk about their friendship, career and the Neon Moon Tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the new Brooks & Dunn album coming out?

No release date has been announced yet. The duo have only confirmed that they are working on the record, so fans will have to wait for an official announcement.

What was their last album of original songs?

Cowboy Town, released in 2007. Their later albums Reboot (2019) and Reboot II (2024) were re-recordings of older songs with younger artists, not new original material.

What did Ronnie Dunn say about the new record?

Dunn said the duo are "compromising" over song choices, explaining: "We're working on a new record... you sweat and bleed every word."

What award are Brooks & Dunn receiving at the CMAs?

They will receive the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award at the 60th CMA Awards on November 18, 2026.