The paramedics arrived quickly, fortunately they were able to find a pulse, it was very weak, but there was one. I rode in the ambulance to the hospital. I called Janine, Narvel and Kix. I asked Narvel to pick Janine up and take her here, I knew she was in no shape to drive herself here.
I am currently sitting in the waiting room, I have both of my elbows laying on each of my knees and my head laying in my hands. I feel so helpless, I don't know if my friend will live or die. Why didn't I stop him from leaving the hotel? Why didn't I come sooner? I couldn't imagine my life without him.
Kix and Barbra were the first ones to arrive. I looked up when I heard the doors open and they rushed in. I stood up and just ran to Kix and hugged him and started crying. Barbra was crying, and I could see Kix was barely holding it back.
Janine and Narvel came in shortly after they did. Janine was a mess, and Narvel looked nervous. I hugged Janine and she clung onto my crying.
I sat down and Janine sat down next to me on my right, and Barbra sat down next to me on my left.
"What happened Reba?" Asked Narvel.
"I don't know. I got a text after I laid down from Ronnie and it just seemed off, and I had a strong feeling that something was wrong and I needed to check on him. So I messaged him and asked him where he was, he said he was at his office. I drove right there and I found him on the ground, not breathing. I called 911 and tried doing cpr." I was crying really hard at this time. I was having a hard time speaking. Barbra wrapped her arms around me. "The paramedics were there quickly and they did find a pulse. I rode with him here and they took him in right away, I haven't heard anything more."
"Oh my God." Kix said as he turned around and started to pace.
Everyone was quiet, only noise coming from us were our worried cries.
It felt like we were waiting forever before the doctor finally came out.
We all walked over to the doctor, anxiously waiting for an answer.
"Is Ronnie ok, doc?" Asked Kix.
"I am sorry, but we tried everything we could, he did not make it."
Janine lost it, and I cried worse then I have in a long time. I couldn't believe it, my best friend was gone.
It felt like the whole world stopped, I couldn't believe it.
I couldn't stay there any longer, I turned around and practically ran from the hospital. I collapsed outside the hospital doors and just burst into inconsoluble cries.
"Breaking news: country legend Ronnie Dunn has died today. Reports say Ronnie was found unconscious in his office, and later died in a local hospital. Dunn is well known as one half of the famous Brooks and Dunn duo. He was 63."
The news of his death was all over the TV and internet. I hated to look at either one, I was having a hard time believing he was gone.
Today is his funeral, Kix, Barbra, Narvel, Janine and I are driving there together now. We have planned a private ceremony with family and close friends.
A lot of people shown up, some I haven't seen in years. Ronnie would have loved that they came. His kids were a mess, I felt so bad for them. My family came, I was glad they were here, I needed their support. These past few days have been horrible.
Ronnie's family and Kix all stood up and said their goodbyes to Ronnie. Janine asked if I wanted to say something. I nodded. I stood up and walked to the podium that was to the left of the casket, overlooking the mourners.
"I have known Ronnie for over twenty years, he was a great friend of mine, and I loved him a lot. These past few days without him don't seem rea. I want to tell a story that was always a favorite of ours to tell. Ronnie Kix and I went to Paris last year, and we got into some trouble, and got ourselves arrested. No one knew who we were, and Ronnie was trying to convince them that we were celebrities and they didn't believe us. We almost were asked to never come back." I laughed a little remembering our trip. "it was a great trip, we had a lot of fun. I just want so much to have this all to be a dream. I just want to wake up and this not be real. I want my best friend back."