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Since the release of Wide Open Spaces in 1998, the line-up has comprised of current members Emily Robinson (guitar, dobro, banjo, vocals), Martie Maguire (fiddle, mandolin, vocals), and Natalie Maines (lead vocals, guitar). Their forthright personalities have distinguished them as powerful female icons unafraid of voicing their opinions. However, their open expression led to major controversy in 2003 when Maines denounced President Bush's decision to invade Iraq. Since then the group has lost a core majority of their country audience, yet strongly sticks by their beliefs despite their loss in sales.

Formed in 1989 by sisters Emily and Martie, Laura Lynch, and Robin Lynn Macy, the group began performing in local bars in and around Addison, Texas. Signed to Crystal Clear Sound, the girls released their debut Thank Heavens for Dale Evans and eventually landed a few gigs as supporting acts for major country artists Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, and George Strait. Moving towards a more contemporary country sound, they issued Little Ol' Cowgirl in 1992 gaining greater recognition in the Dallas music scene. With the departure of Robin Lynn Macy, the trio began recording their third album Shouldn't a Told You That which was released a year later. The Dixie Chicks signed a new contract with Sony's Monument label in 1995. Shortly afterwards, Laura Lynch left the group and was replaced by the young Natalie Maines, the daughter of steel guitar marvel Lloyd Maines.

The girls' breakthrough album Wide Open Spaces saw release in 1998 peaking at number one on the Top Country Albums chart. The hit single "There's Your Trouble" won a Grammy Award for Best Country Performance By a Duo or Group With Vocal, while Wide Open Spaces earned the award for Best Country Album. Fly followed in 1999 debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 and topping the charts with the hit singles "Ready to Run", "Cowboy Take Me Away", "Goodbye Earl", and "Without You". The group added to their collection of Grammy Awards winning Best Country Album and Best Country Performance By a Duo or Group With Vocal for "Ready to Run". Their sixth album, Home, was issued in 2002 and featured the number one hit singles "Travelin' Soldier" and a cover version of Stevie Nicks' "Landslide". The girls won Grammy Awards for Best Country Album, Best Recording Package, Best Country Instrumental Performance for "Lil' Jack Slade" and Best Country Performance By a Duo or Group With Vocal for "Long Time Gone". Their most recent effort Taking the Long Way appeared in May 2006 debuting at number one on the Billboard 200, owing its success to the hit single "Ready to Make Nice". Due to the controversy created by Maines' critical statement regarding President George W. Bush, the album has suffered weaker sales in the US yet managed to be a huge success in Canada.