Introduction
In April 2011, during CBS’s ACM Girls’ Night Out: Superstar Women of Country televised concert special, Ronnie Dunn—known both as one half of Brooks & Dunn and a solo artist—delivered a deeply emotional rendition of “Stay,” originally written and performed by Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland . Nettles, being recognized during the event as only the second female artist ever to solely write and perform a Song of the Year, watched from the side of the stage as Dunn “poured out the same emotion that she put into the song originally” .
The performance captivated both the audience and Nettles herself. She responded, “Thank you so much, that was really, really beautiful,” visibly moved by Dunn’s interpretation . This moment affirmed Dunn’s deep respect and admiration for Nettles—highlighted as “hair-raising” by The Boot —and reinforced the emotional weight of the song through his heartfelt delivery.
“Stay” originally emerged in September 2007 as a powerful ballad from Sugarland’s album Enjoy the Ride. Written solely by Jennifer Nettles, it quickly became the duo’s signature song. The single soared to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, held from the top spot by Taylor Swift’s “Our Song,” and earned both Gold and later Platinum certification. It also garnered numerous accolades, including Grammy Awards for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal and Best Country Song, plus CMA and ACM Song of the Year honors .
Ronnie Dunn’s tribute performance on a stage honoring women in country brought new emotional texture to a song already esteemed for its raw vulnerability and lyrical depth.