The latest episode of "9-1-1: Nashville" offered a deep dive into the complex origins of its central characters, Don Hart, Dixie Bennings, and Blythe Hart. The narrative artfully weaves between past and present, revealing the dramatic events that shaped their intertwined lives. A pivotal element of this exploration is the original song, "Wild Things Run," written and performed by LeAnn Rimes, who embodies the character of Dixie. Rimes meticulously crafted her vocal performance to reflect Dixie's younger self, showcasing her versatility as both an actress and musician. The episode masterfully builds upon the intricate relationships, providing crucial insights into Don's tragic past and the enduring, undeniable bond between him and Dixie, ensuring viewers remain deeply engaged with their captivating story.

Delving into the Past: Don, Dixie, and Blythe's Intertwined Histories in "9-1-1: Nashville"

In a highly anticipated episode of ABC's "9-1-1: Nashville," aired on Thursday, February 26, 2026, fans were finally treated to the compelling origin story of the characters Don Hart (portrayed by Chris O'Donnell), his former love interest Dixie Bennings (played by LeAnn Rimes), and his wife Blythe Hart (Jessica Capshaw). Titled "Don Begins," the episode skillfully navigated between the contemporary setting in Nashville with the 113, and a poignant flashback to Don's childhood. It was a time marked by profound tragedy, as young Don endured the devastating loss of his parents and infant sister in a family home arson. On that very night, a young Don first encountered a young Dixie, who lived nearby with her grandmother. Dixie and her grandmother offered comfort and support to Don at the hospital as he awaited the life-altering arrival of Child Protective Services.

The story then fast-forwards to Don's young adulthood, where fate brought him back into contact with Dixie, then played by Noa Bess Solomon. Their reunion, sparked by an unexpected overnight stay in a jail cell, marked the true beginning of their romantic saga. They built a life together in a small apartment: Don championed Dixie's budding music career, while she, in turn, supported his aspirations in firefighter training. Their idyllic life, however, began to fray under the pressures of stress and the passage of time.

Don's path eventually diverged, leading him to Blythe (a younger version portrayed by Hunter King). Their connection deepened, with Blythe instrumental in reopening the investigation into Don's family's arson case, which ultimately led to the perpetrator's arrest. Upon Dixie's return from touring as a backup dancer for Faith Hill, hoping to rekindle their romance, she discovered it was too late – Don and Blythe had formed an unbreakable bond. However, the episode culminates in a crucial flashback revealing that Don and Dixie had a child, Blue, during a period when Don and Blythe were separated. This revelation adds another layer of complexity to their already intricate history.

LeAnn Rimes shared her insights with Variety, expressing her excitement for viewers to finally understand the depth of Don and Dixie's connection. She noted that the episode provides a fresh perspective on her character, Dixie, who has often been perceived as manipulative. Rimes highlighted the opportunity to showcase a younger, more innocent Dixie through Noa Bess Solomon's brilliant portrayal. For Rimes, delving into these multifaceted layers of Dixie's character was a rewarding experience, allowing her to explore the journey from a passionate young woman to the more hardened individual seen in the present. She believes that this deeper understanding will leave audiences even more conflicted, yet ultimately captivated, by the undeniable bond between Don and Dixie.