LeAnn Rimes hopes viewers keep an open mind about her 9-1-1: Nashville character — the scene-stealing Dixie Bennings.

In Us Weekly‘s cover story ahead of 9-1-1: Nashville‘s premiere on Thursday, October 9, Rimes, 43, teased her role, saying, “I think people will love to hate her — and they’ll really love her too.”

Rimes recalled how she “just fell in love with” Dixie during her audition. “She’s a villain but she’s also really lovable,” she added. “There’s still so many lovable qualities about her but she’s so manipulative and she will exploit her son’s love for all it’s worth.”

For the country singer, the work started before she even booked the role.

Meet the Cast of ABC's '9-1-1: Nashville' — Including Country Singers

“I was asked to come read — and I had not read for a role since I

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