Profile of the Day: June Carter Cash

Posted June 23, 2022 by Amanda | No Comment

On this day in 1929, country singer June Carter Cash was born.

Image: Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash / Wikimedia Commons

She was born Valerie June Carter on June 23, 1929 in Maces Spring, Virginia and grew up in a famous musical family. Her mother, Maybelle Addington, was a part of the original Carter Family singing group, which was also one of the first commercial rural country music groups. Her father, Ezra Carter, managed the famous folk group which also consisted of his brother, A.P. Carter, and his sister-in-law, Sara, who was also Maybelle’s first cousin.

Starting from a young age, June and her sisters performed as the musical group, the Carter Sisters. As her career in country music prospered, she also worked as a solo artist and toured with Elvis Presley. In the 1950s, she began working with Johnny Cash and together, they released several hit songs, including “Jackson” and “If I Were a Carpenter.” The couple married on March 1, 1968. Did you know June wrote Johnny Cash’s hit song “Ring of Fire”?

On May 15, 2003, June died following complications from heart surgery. Four months later, her husband passed away as well.

In 2005, their love story was brought to life on the big screen in the film Walk the Line with actress Reese Witherspoon as June. Reese is also June’s 13th cousin once removed.

Explore June Carter Cash’s family tree on Geni and share how you’re connected to the country singer.