Introduction
Released on April 27, 1998, “If You See Him/If You See Her” is the poignant title track that famously united Reba McEntire with the powerhouse duo Brooks & Dunn. The song was written by the accomplished trio Tommy Lee James, Jennifer Kimball, and Terry McBride, and produced by Tony Brown and Tim DuBois. This emotionally charged country ballad explores the lingering heartbreak of two former lovers who, through mutual friends, struggle to express whether they’re truly doing fine.
Strategically released as the lead single on both Reba’s album If You See Him and Brooks & Dunn’s album If You See Her, the collaboration showcased a savvy cross‑promotion strategy: both albums hit shelves on June 2, 1998 . At the 1998 Academy of Country Music Awards, the trio premiered the song live — featuring McEntire and Ronnie Dunn sharing lead vocals, with Kix Brooks contributing harmonies on Dunn’s verse. Within weeks, the song climbed the charts, debuting at #32 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs (week of May 2), and reaching #1 by June 27—holding that spot for two consecutive weeks . It marked Reba’s 29th #1 hit and the duo’s 12th, cementing its status in both catalogs .
The official music video artfully interweaves performance and narrative. It captures scenes of McEntire in a stylish bar and an empty theater, Dunn and Brooks interacting around a piano, and closing with a poignant phone call between McEntire and Brooks’ character . The video matches the song’s theme of emotional restraint and unspoken longing, perfectly delivering the heartbreak conveyed in the lyrics.
An enduring classic, “If You See Him/If You See Her” remains a signature duet in country music, celebrated for its rich storytelling, emotional resonance, and star‑studded collaboration.