While an icon in the music industry, Johnny Cash did more than release hit songs while in the spotlight. He also shared a love for the famed Carter family as he married June Carter Cash. Although they originally met backstage at the Grand Ole Opry, Cash didn’t propose to June until 13 years later. And for 35 years, the duo shared a life, a career, a family, and touring. With fans watching their love on stage, in 1969, ABC aired The Johnny Cash Show, which ran for two years. Welcoming hit singers to his show, Cash always found time to bring his wife to the stage for memorable performances like their duet of “Jackson.”
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Throughout the history of his show, Cash rubbed shoulders with singers like Bob Dylan, Neil Young, James Taylor, Louis Armstrong, and countless others. But during one taping, the country star was all smiles as June discussed the birth of John Carter Cash and her return to the stage. Apologizing to the crowd as she claimed she hadn’t performed for some time, the icon appeared right at home as the couple mesmerized those in the audience. As one fan so perfectly summed it up, “June Carter is devastatingly underrated.”
[RELATED: Before June, There Was Vivian: Remembering Johnny Cash’s Controversial First Wife]
Johnny Cash Discussed His Life Ending A Month Before His Death
Although taking place decades ago, fans still gush over the performance and the unbreakable love Johnny Cash and June shared. “They are singing as if they were in their living room. These kind of artists were natural, they had it, they lived for it. Awesome.” One comment added, “Still listening to them in 2024… they really were in love, just how their eyes lit up looking at each other while performing. RIP.”
Back in August 2003, just a month before his death, Cash sat down with MTV’s Kurt Loder to discuss his life in the spotlight. Having already lost his wife, the country singer explained how he believed his life was coming to an end. “Oh, I expect my life to end pretty soon; you know. I’m 71 years old. I have great faith, though. I have unshakeable faith; I’ve never been angry with God. I’ve never turned my back on God, so to speak. I never thought God wasn’t there. I knew that He is my counselor; He is my wisdom. All the good things in my life come from Him.”
Cash channeled his life of regrets in his cover of “Hurt”, which was originally recorded by Nine Inch Nails. With Cash gaining high praise for the cover, Trent Reznor relinquished the song, declaring it belonged to the legendary Johnny Cash.
(Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
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