diff --git a/tools/crm_mon.c b/tools/crm_mon.c
index f77268aa9fc..8b6e174d8a3 100644
--- a/tools/crm_mon.c
+++ b/tools/crm_mon.c
@@ -1014,6 +1014,8 @@ pacemakerd_status(void)
                                 break;
                             case pcmk_pacemakerd_state_shutting_down:
                                 out->info(out,"Pacemaker daemons shutting down ...");
+                                /* try our luck maybe CIB is still accessible */
+                                rc = pcmk_rc_ok;
                                 break;
                             case pcmk_pacemakerd_state_shutdown_complete:
                                 /* assuming pacemakerd doesn't dispatch any pings after entering