‘9-1-1: Nashville’ Star LeAnn Rimes Talks Don-Dixie-Blythe Backstory, Singing as Her 20-Year-Younger Self for Flashback Episode

LeAnn Rimes, who plays Dixie Bennings on ABC's '9-1-1: Nashville,' discussed the complex backstory connecting her character to Don Hart (Chris O'Donnell) and his wife Blythe (Jessica Capshaw) in an interview on February 26, 2026, ahead of the episode titled 'Don Begins' that reveals their origin story through flashbacks to a traumatic childhood event. The episode, which aired Thursday on ABC, features Rimes singing as her 20-year-younger self, showcasing the character's musical talent during her youth. The narrative structure of 'Don Begins' cleverly weaves between present-day Nashville and the past, focusing on young Don who experienced the devastating trauma of losing his parents and baby sister during an arson at their family home. The pivotal moment occurs when little Don meets his future love interest, little Dixie, who lived just down the street with her grandmother. According to Rimes, the episode explores how Dixie and her grandmother provided comfort to the traumatized boy, staying with him at the hospital as he awaited Child Protective Services intervention, a moment that would change the course of both their lives. As a country music star herself, Rimes brings authenticity to the role of Dixie, a character with deep musical roots. The flashback episode allowed Rimes to demonstrate her vocal talents while portraying a younger version of Dixie, adding another layer to the character's development that fans have been eager to see. The episode promises to provide crucial context for the complex relationships between Don, Dixie, and Blythe that have been hinted at throughout the series, potentially reshaping how viewers understand these characters' motivations and connections.