The February 26 episode of 9-1-1: Nashville delved into the early history between characters Don and Dixie, showing their connection from childhood tragedy to young adulthood pursuits. LeAnn Rimes, who plays Dixie, discussed the episode's revelations in an interview with TVLine. The story highlights pivotal moments that shaped their lives and relationship.
In the episode titled from 9-1-1: Nashville's first season, episode 11, viewers learned about the fire that killed Don's parents, where a young Dixie, his neighbor, called 9-1-1 after spotting the flames. This established a deep bond between them. As young adults, they reconnected after both ended up in jail, motivating each other toward their ambitions: Dixie promised to perform her music publicly if Don was accepted into the firefighter academy.
Both achieved their goals, but challenges arose. Don had to skip Dixie's late-night performances to prioritize sleep for his demanding job, reducing their time together. Dixie then took a five-month tour as a backup singer, leaving Don upset in Nashville. Soon after, Don met Blythe while saving her horses from a barn fire, beginning a courtship where she supported him in navigating her affluent background and processing his past trauma. When Dixie returned, she reacted sharply to Blythe, but Don had already committed to his new relationship. Blythe even assisted Don in locating the arsonist responsible for the original fire.
In the present timeline, Don faced the man's parole hearing. Despite support from others, Dixie's guidance proved most influential, helping Don confront his history, forgive the perpetrator, and focus on his future, which hints at potential involvement with Dixie.
LeAnn Rimes shared her perspective in a TVLine interview, feeling vindicated by the backstory's portrayal of their enduring connection, distinct from Don's bond with Blythe. She noted, "I think people will be Team Dixie for a hot second... until I unravel that whole thing as the rest of the season goes on." Rimes expressed mixed hopes for Don and Dixie's reunion, joking about a possible throuple arrangement. She co-wrote the episode's original song, "Wild Things Run," with Darryl Brown, capturing themes of love's cycles, intended to mark Dixie's career breakthrough.
Additionally, the cast, including Rimes, filmed a fun cover of "Can't Fight the Moonlight" at Nashville's Coyote Ugly bar, inspired by the 2000 film. Rimes suggested Dixie owning a bar like "Dixie's Place" for live music. On potential friendship between Dixie and Blythe, played by Jessica Capshaw, Rimes said, "Maybe one day. But for now, the sparring and the catfights are the best."