Country music star LeAnn Rimes has taken on a dramatic new role as Dixie Bennings, an aspiring country artist and single mother, in ABC’s latest emergency services drama “9-1-1: Nashville.” The series, which expands the popular 9-1-1 franchise beyond Los Angeles and Austin, positions Rimes in a unique narrative position as the mother of Blue Bennings, a former “haunted bad boy” turned dedicated firefighter at Nashville’s Station 113.
Rimes confirmed her maternal role through social media, referring to actor Hunter McVey as her “on screen son.” This casting creates an intriguing dynamic rarely seen in first responder dramas – a parent who isn’t part of the emergency services world themselves. The character of Dixie provides viewers with a civilian perspective on the high-stress environment that her son navigates daily under the command of Captain Don Hart, played by veteran actor Chris O’Donnell.
Dixie Bennings offers a rare civilian lens into the high-stakes world her firefighter son inhabits at Nashville’s Station 113.
The Nashville setting offers rich storytelling possibilities that differentiate this series from its predecessors. Dixie’s music career seamlessly integrates the city’s renowned country music scene into the show’s framework, while potentially setting up narrative bridges for future crossovers with other entries in the franchise. Interestingly, Dixie’s character is described as the villain in the upcoming procedural drama, adding a complex layer to her relationship with her firefighter son.
Industry analysts note that previous crossover attempts between 9-1-1 shows faced complications due to network differences and geographic distance between settings. The show’s musical elements could open doors for Rimes to explore sync deals as her character’s songs might be featured in dramatic rescue scenes. The soundtrack could potentially appear on various streaming platforms where independent artists typically gain exposure through curated playlists.
The ensemble cast features another notable parent-child relationship with O’Donnell’s character and his son Ryan, played by Michael Provost, establishing parallel family dynamics within the firehouse team. Additional cast members include Hailey Kilgore and Juani Feliz, creating a blend of established stars and emerging talent.
Behind-the-scenes social media posts suggest a positive working relationship among cast members, with Rimes embracing her first major television drama role. The character of Dixie appears positioned to add emotional depth to the procedural elements, balancing the show’s high-octane emergency sequences with personal storylines focused on ambition, parenthood, and redemption. The cast has demonstrated strong camaraderie off-screen, with McVey recently showing appreciation by sharing baked goods with Rimes, which she acknowledged on her Instagram.
As the franchise expands to its third location, Rimes’ character represents a fresh approach to the established 9-1-1 formula.
