"Real Man", his sixth album, was issued in mid-1998. This album produced only one Top 40 hit in its title track, followed by "Innocent Bystander" which reached number 68. After this album, Dean exited Capitol's roster. He also took up acting once more, appearing in the minor TV specials "A Face to Kill For" and "Blue Valley Songbird". In 2000, he and Alison Krauss made guest appearances on Kenny Rogers' single "Buy Me a Rose", which reached the top of the "Billboard" country charts in May of that year. This song was also a Top 40 hit on the "Billboard" Hot 100, and Rogers' first number 1 single in thirteen years.