Remembering June Carter Cash
It was 17 years ago today we lost the legendary June Carter Cash. Not only was she the wife and musical partner to the Man In Black Johnny Cash. She was also part of country music royalty, the Carter Family. Here are some interesting facts about the country music icon.
She wrote Ring of Fire: June wrote the lyrics to this song in the early '60s when she and Johnny were singing partners. They were both married at the time, but she gave Johnny the song and it became one of the biggest hits he ever had. Years later they married, and it was Johnny who stated that marrying June is what saved his life.
She gave Reese Witherspoon her blessing for Walk The Line: Although June died a full two years before the movie was released, she was aware that a film on her and Johnny's life was in pre-production and liked Reese Witherspoon to play her in the movie. Witherspoon would go on to win an Academy Award for her performance.
Johnny Cash proposed to her live on stage: While on tour in Canada Johnny proposed to June live on stage at the London Ice House in London Ontario. Although initially skeptical, June eventually agreed. The couple stayed married until June's death in May of 2003. Johnny died a few months later.
She was Hank Williams JR's Godmother: That's right, little Bocephus called her "Godmother". She was close to Hank's mother, Audrey. Hank JR. later developed a close relationship with Johnny too, which culminated with his rendition of Ring of Fire at Johnny Cash's memorial concert.