9-1-1: Nashville – What advice did Rob Lowe give LeAnn Rimes before joining the show? Actor reveals

LeAnn Rimes, the acclaimed country singer and actress, has recently shared a story about a conversation she had with Rob Lowe before joining the cast of the new ABC drama series 9-1-1: Nashville.

The singer, who has won two Grammy Awards, said that Lowe, who has been a part of the 9-1-1 franchise through his character in 9-1-1: Lone Star, told her that the show is not for those who want to see realistic portrayals, but it is for those who love crazy and extraordinary rescues.

This open and straightforward advice influenced Rimes in her perception and handling of the show, which was aired on ABC in October 2025.

Advice from Rob Lowe to LeAnn Rimes: Embracing the wild side of 9-1-1: Nashville

Speaking with Us Weekly at the premiere of 9-1-1: Nashville, Rimes stated:

“I was talking the other day to Rob Lowe and he was talking about how, ‘If you want reality, you don’t go to this series. We have the craziest rescues, which is what’s so interesting'. We’ll be like, ‘There’s no way this has happened before in real life.’ Then they’ll show us the articles because they’re pulling from real life situations.”

Rimes added:

“If you think about it — in the world of however many millions of people there are — this stuff is bound to happen to somebody. Every time we think it hasn’t really happened, there’s an article for that that shows you it has. What I love about it is once you buy into the craziness of this show, you just fall in love with it.”

As per Rimes, the series's mix of dramatic flair contains a "kitschy" quality, which is reminiscent of a nighttime soap opera like Dynasty, and thus provides even more entertainment besides rescue missions. Rimes not only enjoys portraying emotions like rage and anger through her character but also the contrast it makes with her regular public image.

LeAnn Rimes plays the part of Dixie Bennings in 9-1-1: Nashville. Dixie is a country singer plus a single mother who has a very fascinating personality. Her son is called Blue Bennings, played by Hunter McVey, who is a newcomer to acting.

The role of Dixie is characterized as an outright antagonist with a handful of charms and a mixture of manipulative traits. She has a past with a firefighter, Don Hart, that result in considerable family conflict.

What is 9-1-1: Nashville about?

The show 9-1-1: Nashville had its premiere on October 9, 2025, on ABC, and the day after, it could be streamed on Hulu. The third part of the 9-1-1 franchise follows the ending of 9-1-1: Lone Star in early 2025.

The show was created by Ryan Murphy, Tim Minear, and Rashad Raisani. Its first season opened with the airing of the pilot episode on the day of the premiere.

The series is set in Nashville, Tennessee, and portrays the lives of emergency responders, firefighters, paramedics, and police officers, who are all involved in the thriving Music City. The story brings to light the hardships and risks that come with their professions, which are defined by high stakes, and at the same time, it delves into personal lives and relationships that are intricate and sometimes complex.

Captain Don Hart, played by Chris O'Donnell, is the main character whose personality traits include being a tough and rough fire captain as well as a rodeo rider. He supervises Nashville's Station 113 firehouse, where he works with his son Ryan Hart, who is a fireman and a modern cowboy.

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The plot gets even more interesting when Don comes across his secret son, Blue Bennings, played by Hunter McVey, whom Don gives a job in the fire department. Blue's mother, played by LeAnn Rimes, is Dixie Bennings, who is not only a former backup singer but also a mother trying to get vengeance, and also dealing with her health and other personal problems.

Along with Don’s wife, Blythe Hart, the cast is supported by other important characters like 911 dispatcher Cammie Raleigh and firefighters with various backgrounds, who bring diversity to the floor.

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