Glad Hatter... Brooks & Dunn's Go-Go Chapeau at the Kentucky Derby

Crowning Glory: File under "I Thought Kix Wore The Hat...

While Kix Brooks got his arms around something new by holding back the rain and holding down the outdoor stage at the grand opening of the Vanderbilt Medical Center's brand new Children's Hospital, Ronnie and Janine Dunn were in Louisville embracing something old in Louisville Kentucky. On hand to watch Smarty Jones win his 7th consecutive race -- ands take him the first jewel in the much coveted Triple Crown -- the Dunns took home their own special distinction.

Perhaps an even bigger competition than the actual race itself, there's much ado about the ladies' hats at Churchill Downs. And when the dust had settled, the brims were all smoothed, People proclaimed Janine Dunn's black + white with a feather, the Best In Show.

"Someone was teasing me that even when it's a Dunn in the hat, what kinda cowboy am I? 'cause it still isn't me!" laughs the thrill-seeking singer with the high rise forelock. "And you know, when Janine put that hat on... I knew it was one of those things that required real commitment because -- you know -- wearing a hat isn't as easy as just setting a cowboy hat on your head.

"When the woman who worked with Janine on it called to tell us about People, I just laughed. I knew my wife was onto something... and I didn't quite know what, but sure knew better than to ask."

The dramatic topper can be found at www.kentuckyderby.com. You'll know it by the appearance of Dennis Hopper and LaToya Jackson in the frame -- Janine's hat is obscuring her face, and since the picture's supposed to be OF the hat, that makes sense.

And you can find Brooks & Dunn gearing up for the Academy of Country Music Awards, where the 4-time Entertainers of the Year are nominated for 5 awards -- including Entertainer, Duo, Song, Single and Album of the Year.

The hard-charging duo -- who just announced their late summer tour with special guests and former Neon Circus regulars Montgomery Gentry and white hot newcomer Gretchen Wilson -- will be burning it up on the live May 25th CBS broadcast from Las Vegas.

back