9-1-1: Nashville Star LeAnn Rimes Reflects on Dixie and Don's Origin Story

Rimes discusses the emotional backstory of her character Dixie and her connection to Don, as well as singing as her 20-years-younger self for a flashback episode.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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In a major episode of '9-1-1: Nashville,' viewers get the origin story of the complicated relationship between firefighter Don Hart, his old flame Dixie Bennings, and his wife Blythe. Actress LeAnn Rimes, who plays the adult Dixie, discusses the emotional layers this episode adds to her character, including writing and performing a song as young Dixie. The episode flashes between Don's traumatic childhood, his reconnection with Dixie as young adults, and how he ultimately falls for and marries Blythe, even as Dixie believes the 'universe' will always bring her and Don back together.

Why it matters

This episode provides crucial backstory for some of the main characters on '9-1-1: Nashville,' shedding light on their complex relationships and motivations. It also showcases LeAnn Rimes' talents as both an actress and musician, as she not only plays the adult Dixie but also wrote and performed a song as the younger version of the character. The episode is expected to shift fans' perceptions of Dixie and deepen the emotional stakes of the show's central love triangle.

The details

The episode 'Don Begins' flashes between the present day in Nashville and Don's traumatic childhood, when he lost his parents and baby sister in an arson fire. That same night, young Don meets young Dixie, who comforts him. Years later, adult versions of Don and Dixie reconnect in a jail cell, and their love story begins, with Don supporting Dixie's music career and her supporting his firefighter training. However, the stress and time apart eventually causes their relationship to unravel, leading Don to meet and fall for Blythe. When Dixie returns, wanting to rekindle things, it's too late - Don and Blythe are already committed. The episode ends with a flashback to the night Dixie and Don slept together, conceiving their son Blue, when Don was separated from Blythe.

  • The episode 'Don Begins' flashes back to when Don was a young boy who suffered through the trauma of his parents and baby sister dying in an arson fire.
  • The story then jumps ahead to when Don was a young adult and crossed paths with Dixie again, leading to the start of their love story.

The players

Don Hart

A firefighter whose complicated romantic history with Dixie and Blythe is explored in the episode.

Dixie Bennings

Don's old flame, played by country singer LeAnn Rimes, whose backstory with Don is central to the episode.

Blythe Hart

Don's wife, who becomes entangled in the history between Don and Dixie.

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What they’re saying

“It was so cool to know that this was coming and that people really got a glimpse into the origin story of Dixie and Don. I think it gives you a different point of view on these characters from here on out.”

— LeAnn Rimes, Actress (Variety)

“I know they have so many great writers for the show, but when I heard that they were looking for a song that kicked off Dixie's career, I was like, this is what I do. I do write music and sing for a living. So utilize me.”

— LeAnn Rimes, Actress (Variety)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This episode provides crucial backstory for the main characters on '9-1-1: Nashville,' deepening the emotional stakes of the show's central love triangle and showcasing LeAnn Rimes' talents as both an actress and musician.