LeAnn Rimes Reflects on Unique Connection Between ‘9-1-1: Nashville’ Son and Music Career
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/leann-rimes-hunter-mcvey-093025-e8361d344212425a832f8f6c6c5c2ed5.jpg)
LeAnn Rimes, the renowned country star, recently sat down for an exclusive interview with PEOPLE to discuss her latest role on the new ABC series, “9-1-1: Nashville,” where she plays the character of Dixie Bennings. Rimes revealed that her character’s son on the show, Blue Bennings, portrayed by newcomer Hunter McVey, has an intriguing tie to her music career. Despite the character name being decided before Rimes’ casting, she finds it “so crazy” and plans to have fun exploring this connection with McVey on set.
The Grammy-winning debut single “Blue,” released by Rimes in 1996 when she was just 13 years old, serves as the inspiration behind the character’s name. The song, originally written by Bill Mack in 1958, not only peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard Country Chart but also earned Rimes a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance, marking the beginnings of her successful music journey. Hunter McVey, making his acting debut on the show, expressed his admiration for Rimes and the pressure to live up to the legacy of the character’s name.
McVey shared his experience of working alongside Rimes and the profound impact she has had on him as a co-star. He described their chemistry on set as instant, praising Rimes for her talent and warm personality. The young actor admitted to feeling nervous during his initial scenes with Rimes, acknowledging her supportive and nurturing energy that helped ease his anxieties. The on-screen mother-son duo has received praise for their performances and the authenticity they bring to their roles.
In addition to Rimes and McVey, the ensemble cast of “9-1-1: Nashville” includes Chris O’Donnell, Jessica Capshaw, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Michael Provost, Hailey Kilgore, and Juani Feliz. As the latest addition to Ryan Murphy’s 9-1-1 franchise, the series follows the lives of emergency responders facing challenging and often dramatic situations in the vibrant backdrop of Music City. Fans can catch the premiere of “9-1-1: Nashville” on Thursday, October 9, at 9 p.m. ET on ABC, with streaming available on Hulu the following day.
Rimes and McVey’s collaboration on the show has been described as a testament to their talent and chemistry, adding depth to the narrative of the series. With their on-screen relationship resonating with viewers, the dynamic between Dixie and Blue Bennings offers a unique perspective on family dynamics and personal growth. The success of “9-1-1: Nashville” rests not only on its engaging plotlines but also on the heartfelt performances delivered by the talented ensemble cast.
As the anticipation builds for the premiere of “9-1-1: Nashville,” audiences can expect a captivating exploration of relationships, resilience, and the power of music to connect people. With LeAnn Rimes at the helm of this exciting new project, her influence as a seasoned performer brings a level of authenticity and emotion to the series that is sure to resonate with viewers. Stay tuned for the debut of “9-1-1: Nashville” as it unveils the enchanting journey of Dixie and Blue Bennings in the heart of Music City.