Introduction
“Stay” – Ronnie Dunn’s Tribute to Jennifer Nettles
Originally written and recorded by Sugarland—the duo of Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush—“Stay” debuted in 2007. Nettles, drawing inspiration from Reba McEntire’s “Whoever’s in New England,” chose a fresh narrative: the perspective of the “other woman,” lamenting her lover’s refusal to leave his marriage . The song resonated widely, earning Sugarland multiple accolades: Grammy Awards for Best Country Song and Best Performance by a Duo or Group , and sweeping the 2008 ACM and CMA awards, including Song of the Year and Single of the Year .
Jennifer Nettles’ emotive delivery helped make “Stay” one of country music’s most poignant ballads of the era, characterized by its raw storytelling and powerful vocals. The song’s universal theme of desperation and unrequited love struck a chord, transforming it into Sugarland’s signature hit.
Fast forward to recent years: country music icon Ronnie Dunn, famed for his work with Brooks & Dunn, chose “Stay” as a heartfelt tribute to Jennifer Nettles. His performance at the ACM “Girls Night Out” event moved audiences to silence, with many noting he “brought the crowd to a standstill” and gave the song “a whole new life” . Loyal fans echoed similar praise, describing Dunn’s interpretation as “insanely good” and emotionally impactful .
Dunn’s rendition honors the original’s emotional core while showcasing his own artistry. With his rich, expressive baritone, he revisits the emotional abyss of longing and heartbreak that Nettles first shared. In doing so, Dunn bridges two generations of country expression—paying homage not only to Nettles’ narrative courage but also reaffirming the timeless potency of “Stay” as a country classic.
Video
”On tonight’s ‘ACM Girls Night Out’ CBS special, Ronnie Dunn serenaded Sugarland singer Jennifer Nettles with one of her own songs, the 2007 platinum hit, ‘Stay.’
“Jennifer, my love,” Dunn said as he took the microphone. “You’ve been an incredible friend to me, and it’s an honor to sing this song tonight. I hope I can do it justice.”
Nettles was invited to the event to be honored as one of only two female artists in the academy’s history to ever write and perform the winning Song of the Year for ‘Stay,’ an achievement that she alone can take credit for. She sat perched in her throne at the side of the stage and watched as her country music peer, formerly of Brooks and Dunn, poured out the same emotion that she put into the song originally.
Though, Dunn’s unique male touch gave an entirely new element to the song, and the ‘Bleed Red’ soloist received applause from both the audience and Nettles as he drew the last note.
“Thank you so much, that was really, really beautiful,” Nettles said to Dunn, still in awe. “It’s wonderful to be included in such beautiful — and talented — company. That was great.”
Tonight’s event honored female artists the Judds, Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire, Martina McBride, Loretta Lynn and Carrie Underwood — as well as Nettles — for their great achievements in the industry.”
Amanda Hensel