Before June Carter Cash ever married Johnny Cash, she was an integral part of the country music scene. Thanks to her time with the Carter Family, Carter became a household name and a stand-alone country singer in her own right. Frankly, without Johnny Cash, June Carter is still considered to be one of the greatest female country artists of all time. Prior to her passing in 2003, June Carter Cash was a pillar in supporting the growth of country music.
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In 1968, Carter finally added Cash to her name after she married her beloved husband, Johnny Cash. The two originally met backstage at the Grand Ole Opry in 1956, and knew each other for roughly 12 years before they got married. Cash finally popped the question on stage in Canada, a week later they were married and became the most iconic couple in country music history.
Johnny Cash and Carter certainly had a lot of tangible and public success. However, the far more important part of their relationship was the unseen and intangible facets. In other words, they loved each other dearly and did not hide it. Matter of fact, Cash once wrote in a birthday letter to June Carter, “You influence me for the better. You’re the object of my desire, the #1 Earthly reason for my existence. I love you very much,” per Katie Leamon.
How The World Lost June Carter Cash
June Carter Cash passed away on May 15, 2003, after surgical complications brought on by a leaky heart valve. Doctors performed surgery on June Carter on May 7, but after the surgical complications, she passed away days later. Her family, including Johnny Cash, was all by her side at the time of her death. She was 73 years old.
Following her passing, Carter’s public funeral was held at the First Baptist Church in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Nearly 2,000 people attended the funeral, and some of the musicians who participated in the service were Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Marty Stuart, Emmylou Harris, Sheryl Crow, and Rodney Crowell.
In a private service, June Carter was then buried at Hendersonville Memory Gardens with “Wildwood Flower” inscribed on her headstone. After Cash’s passing months later in September of 2003, Cash was buried right next to the love of his life. June Carter Cash was a one-of-a-kind musician and a teacher of both life and love.
Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash on the set of CMT INSIDE FAME via Getty Images
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