LeAnn Rimes Discusses Her Acting Comeback in 911: Nashville and Health Struggles (Exclusive)

Not everyone who spends three decades in show business walks away successfully, and while LeAnn Rimes has emerged victorious, her journey hasn’t always been smooth.

Since bursting onto the country music scene as a child—winning two Grammys at just 14—Rimes has navigated her path to success amidst various challenges. At 43, she continues to flourish and evolve as a pioneer.

“Everyone wanted me to remain the little girl forever, which was simply impossible,” Rimes revealed in her Us Weekly cover story prior to the premiere of her new ABC series 9-1-1: Nashville, debuting on Thursday, October 9. “For a long time, I was fearful of various aspects of myself due to societal pressures. [Now] I’m no longer afraid of who I am.”

With the backing of loved ones—including her husband Eddie Cibrian—Rimes exemplifies “resilience,” showcasing it whether she’s on stage or candidly discussing her personal health struggles.

“The greatest gift I’ve received is being an artist,” Rimes added. “Having experienced success for as long as I have, I never take it for granted.”

In an in-depth conversation with Us, Rimes reflected on her journey, gaining independence, and looking forward to her next chapter.

How would you describe this phase of LeAnn Rimes?
Everything I pursue now focuses on freedom, whether it’s expression, my body, or my mind. When I feel afraid, I lean into it. I’m truly in an era of exploration. I’ve always resisted being confined by labels; whenever someone tries to box me in, I break free. I’ll continue to do this for the rest of my life—certainly more than ever now. With my experience, I have the privilege to choose which roles to take and songs to sing.

Looking back at your early successes, how has your music matured alongside you?
I became more comfortable sharing my truth, knowing others faced similar challenges. As I grew older and began writing my own songs, being authentic became imperative for me.

I once felt like an outcast in a world full of adults, so young that I was excluded from the camaraderie. This made my participation in The Voice in Australia and the U.K. essential. I wanted to mentor others because I never had that opportunity.

Do you feel a greater sense of community now?
Recording my 17th studio album, God’s Work (2022), I reached out to numerous peers. From Ziggy Marley to Ledisi to Mickey Guyton, they were all excited to contribute. After lacking that support, building it now feels incredibly solid.

You’ve likely changed significantly throughout your journey.
My perfectionist mindset and desire to please others were the biggest hurdles for me. Life experiences have provided rich material for my art, but reclaiming my humanity—embracing the messiness—was pivotal. That transformation required deep work; it wasn’t simply a decision I made overnight.

Did you ever consider walking away from it all?
I’ve certainly had moments when I thought, “I’m done.” Those feelings still surface when I feel exhausted. I’ve been in this industry for a long time.

What brings you back?
My love for music is irreplaceable. I could never walk away from it, as creating music satisfies my soul. My motivations have evolved: I’m now driven by the desire to express my emotions and connect with others.

If you could speak to 13-year-old LeAnn, what would you say?
Rest more. Embrace the power of “no.” Understand that you can’t please everyone. Stay true to your inner voice and knowing. My journey back to that understanding has been crucial for truly thriving, not just surviving.

Do you ever revisit your earlier music?

I don’t often revisit my earlier songs like “Blue” and “How Do I Live” or “Can’t Fight the Moonlight.” … However, I occasionally listen back to tracks from my 2002 album Twisted Angel, when I began writing my own material.

Sometimes, fans mention songs on Instagram that I haven’t listened to in ages, and it reminds me of how proud I am of my journey. I look back at the 13-year-old who chose those songs, which profoundly resonated with me, and appreciate how they’ve evolved alongside me.

What professional lessons have you learned?
I’m conscious of my commitments and seek my freedom. I carefully evaluate opportunities before diving in. If I’m going to sacrifice my freedom, it must be worthwhile—everything isn’t deserving of my time. At 43, I’ve learned to value that.

How do you approach new opportunities now?
I’m in a phase where any opportunity I take on must bring me joy. Having learned from past experiences, I have a solid understanding of what I want to pursue now and how to do it.

Your new role in 9-1-1: Nashville must be a perfect fit, then! Why is that?

As Dixie Bennings, I can express parts of myself that rarely surface in real life, which is incredibly therapeutic. The role was also a challenge; Dixie is fiercely devoted to her son and goes to extremes to feel valued—including leveraging her son’s love.

How did you craft that mother-son dynamic with Hunter McVey?
I’m deeply protective of Hunter in real life. Since this is his initial acting role, I frequently check in to ensure he’s taking care of himself, almost like a mother hen.

As a former backup singer, how does that aspect manifest in your character?
I do sing on the show. Dixie has enjoyed past success performing for various artists, yet she grapples with her own unfulfilled dreams, wondering where music fits into her life now.

You’ve been open about your health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and psoriasis. That takes bravery.
When I posted a picture of my psoriasis [in 2020], it felt like such a relief to finally reveal something I had hidden for so long. The same goes for my mental health and experiences with perimenopause. Each time I share, I liberate both myself and others.

That’s powerful. It’s true what they say: “Your secrets keep you sick.”
I spent so long concealing parts of myself that fueled my insecurities—thoughts like “I’m not pretty” and “I’m not good enough.” I’ve learned to embrace self-love through all my various identities.

That must have taken time.
Reflecting on all these different versions of myself, I recognize I’ll continue evolving next year. I’m grateful for the chance to love every aspect of who I am, even the less lovable parts, and I’ve cultivated a kinder inner dialogue.

How are you feeling right now?

I feel fantastic. Over the past few years, I’ve prioritized my physical health, preparing for the changes I’m experiencing. While I have days affected by hormonal challenges, on most days, I feel great in my body.

What was your initial reaction upon discovering you were in perimenopause, which can last from months to years?
“Oh s***.” It was crucial for me to seek out information, as conversations surrounding it are scarce. However, they’re beginning to emerge.

In my late 30s, I discovered Dr. Mindy Pelz’s book The Menopause Reset. After reading it, I knew I wanted to connect with her. She played a vital role in my physical health, enabling me to regain control and feel good again. We’ve since developed a close friendship. I had to seek knowledge on my own, as I lacked any context at that time.

What has your journey been like?
Finding the right doctors who listen and spend time with me has been challenging. There’s a lot of conversation around hormonal replacement therapy, but few doctors truly understand how to prescribe it properly. I’ve taken the initiative to find someone who does.

What was the hardest part of this experience?
There’s an unspoken grief that comes with it. Perimenopause is more than just the cessation of ovulation; it represents profound changes. It’s a transformative stage of life, shedding what no longer serves us. It’s beautiful if we understand our bodies.

What treatments have you explored?
I’ve engaged in extensive EMDR therapy, which has been effective for intrusive thoughts. I’ve also tackled a significant mercury load in my body that stressed my nervous system. Detoxing has restored my balance.

Do you have any self-care routines?
A significant practice I’ve adopted involves working with a professional in Nashville, introduced to me by Kimberly Williams-Paisley. She focuses on pelvic floor exercises and grounding techniques. I prioritize breathwork and connecting with the earth, performing these routines after shows and workdays.

Fragrance also holds special meaning for me. It’s poetic and emotional—lighting candles or having a diffuser going in my home may seem simple, but it brings me comfort.

Has your body surprised you positively?
In the past, I didn’t appreciate my body as the vessel it is. Now, I harbor gratitude for it.

How has Eddie supported you through these transitions and challenges?

Ed’s journey of learning alongside me has been incredible. Sharing my knowledge with him and fostering open dialogue has been immensely beneficial to our relationship.

What’s his supportive approach?
He maintains a sense of humor during this significant transition, which helps me find levity amidst the seriousness—something I often overlook. His ability to lighten the atmosphere is invaluable.

And how does he support your career?
When our kids [Rimes’ stepsons, Jake and Mason] are away, he travels with me. Particularly with 9-1-1, he’s been a great source of support, joining me on set.

What guidance has he offered you?
I appreciate his perspective; his creativity helps me consider things I might overlook. When the roles are reversed, I’m there for him in the same way. Our support for each other is definitely reciprocal.

Is there talk of collaborating again?
We enjoy working together and have discussed writing projects for the future. We’re one of those couples who can cooperate without conflict and still enjoy our home life together.

What do you cherish about working with Eddie?
He’s a joy to collaborate with and has an easygoing nature.

Having recently celebrated 14 years of marriage, how has your relationship evolved?
Reflecting on our journey, I’m amazed at what we’ve endured and how we’ve grown together. Our current state is so serene and comfortable; we cherish our quiet moments together.

It’s wonderful to hear about content celebrity couples.
We relish the simple moments together. Our normalcy is key to our relationship’s stability amid this chaotic industry. I truly feel that we’re closer now than ever, and I’m filled with gratitude.

How do you keep surprising each other after all these years?
Curiosity fuels our connection. As we both change, staying present allows us to learn more about each other. It’s all about choosing to engage and making the effort.

Regarding your inner circle, how has it evolved?
I’m surrounded by a fantastic support network now. After years of distancing myself from those who didn’t have my best interests at heart, I’m grateful for the non-“yes”-people in my life who provide constructive feedback when necessary. That’s why I feel empowered to try new things; I trust I have them to fall back on if something doesn’t work out. My creative support network extends beyond just business.

What does thriving look like for you now?
As I mature, taking care of my body and mind demands more commitment. Thriving now means being disciplined about my health and objectives, creating space for me to pursue everything I desire while grounded.

How do you think you’ve arrived at this point?
We all experience breaking points—multiple times, in fact. Rock bottom appears different for everyone, but the key is making a decision. In my darkest times, I continually seek the light.

Out of all your impressive achievements, what do you consider your greatest?
I’m proud of my current presence, especially since many who start their careers at my age don’t reach 43. It brings tears to my eyes, reflecting on how far I’ve come. I feel like I’m thriving after experiencing so much; it’s a remarkable evolution into someone grounded in humanity, embracing all aspects of myself. That authenticity is what I value most—what you see is genuinely me.