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Valerie June Carter Cash (June 23, 1929 – May 15, 2003) was an American country singer, songwriter, comedian, actress, dancer, author, and philanthropist. She won five Grammy Awards and was a lifelong member of the Carter Family. June was also Johnny Cash’s second wife. Before marrying Johnny, she performed and recorded as June Carter, a name she kept using for songwriting credits after their wedding. She played guitar, autoharp, banjo, and harmonica. Her warm and lively personality made her a favorite in country music and on television.
She acted in films and TV shows, wrote books, and supported numerous charities, especially those helping children and families. Her daughter, Carlene Carter and son, John Carter Cash, accepted the honour on her behalf.
Here is a quick overview of key facts about June Carter Cash:
| Full Name at Birth | Valerie June Carter |
| Stage Name | June Carter / June Carter Cash |
| Date of Birth | June 23, 1929 |
| Date of Death | May 15, 2003 |
| Age at Death | 73 years old |
| Birthplace | Maces Spring, Virginia, United States |
| Religion | Christian (devout Baptist; active in church life) |
| Height | Approximately 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 m) |
| Net Worth at Death (2003 est.) | $10–$15 million (from music royalties, TV/film work, book sales, and joint assets with Johnny Cash) |
| Children | Three: Carlene Carter, Rosie Nix Adams, John Carter Cash |
| Most Famous Songs | “Ring of Fire” (co-writer), “Jackson,” “Wildwood Flower,” “Keep on the Sunny Side” |
| Major Awards | 5× Grammy Awards; Country Music Hall of Fame (2025 posthumous); Christian Music Hall of Fame (2009 posthumous) |
June Cash Biography
June Carter was born as Valerie June Carter on June 23, 1929, in Maces Spring, Virginia, to Maybelle and Ezra J. Carter. She grew up surrounded by music and began performing with her mother, aunt Sara, and uncle A.P. Carter when she was 10. After the original Carter Family stopped recording in 1943, Maybelle started a new group called “The Carter Sisters and Mother Maybelle” with her daughters Helen, Anita, and June. June played the autoharp and did comedy, becoming the group’s main performer at 16, known for her “Aunt Polly” act. The family played on radio stations like WRNL in Richmond, KWTO in Springfield, and WNOX in Knoxville, where they met Chet Atkins.
In 1950, the Carters joined the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. During this time, June met Hank Williams, Elvis Presley, and Johnny Cash. She went to John Marshall High School in Richmond while still touring. After graduating, she kept performing with her family and brought back the “Carter Family” name for shows and recordings in the 1960s and 1970s.
June started her solo career in the 1950s with lively country songs like “Jukebox Blues” and the funny “No Swallerin’ Place.” She also acted in movies and TV, including Gunsmoke (1957), The Apostle (1998), and Dr Quinn, Medicine Woman (1993–1997) as Sister Ruth. In 1961, she co-wrote “Ring of Fire” with Merle Kilgore. Her sister Anita first recorded the song, but Johnny Cash made it a number one hit in 1963 with mariachi horns, and it became one of country music’s most famous songs.
June first performed with Johnny Cash in 1964 on the song “It Ain’t Me Babe.” Their duet “Jackson” won a Grammy in 1967, and they released the album Carryin’ On with Johnny Cash and June Carter. They married on March 1, 1968, in Franklin, Kentucky, after Johnny proposed to her onstage in London, Ontario. June was a regular on The Johnny Cash Show from 1969 to 1971 and appeared in his Christmas specials. They continued to record duets during their marriage, including on the album Johnny Cash and His Woman in 1973.
June released three solo albums: Appalachian Pride in 1975, Press On in 1999 (which won a Grammy), and Wildwood Flower in 2003 (released after her death and won two Grammys). She also co-wrote and sang on many of Johnny Cash’s songs and published autobiographies in 1979 and 1987.
June was dedicated to helping others and supported SOS Children’s Villages starting in 1973, including donating to build an orphanage in Jamaica near her home. She was active in her Christian faith and attended First Baptist Church in Hendersonville, Tennessee, with Johnny.
Age
June Carter Cash was born on June 23, 1929. She died on May 15, 2003, at the age of 73.
Update
As of January 2026, it has been more than 22 years since June Carter Cash passed away, but her influence is still strong.
- The Country Music Hall of Fame inducted her posthumously as a Veterans Era Artist on October 19, 2025, with Carlene Carter and John Carter Cash accepting.
- The 2024 documentary June (directed by Kristen Vaurio) is still streaming and frequently recommended.
- Wildwood Flower and duets with Johnny Cash remain popular on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.
- The Bea Arthur Residence for homeless LGBTQ+ youth (partly funded by Johnny and June’s estate) continues operating in Manhattan.
Children
June Carter Cash had three children, one from each marriage:
- Carlene Carter (born September 30, 1955) – daughter of first husband Carl Smith; successful country singer and songwriter.
- Rosie Nix Adams (born July 13, 1958 – died October 24, 2003) – daughter of second husband Edwin “Rip” Nix; country/rock singer; died at 45 from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.
- John Carter Cash (born March 3, 1970) – son of Johnny Cash; musician, songwriter, producer; executive produced Wildwood Flower and the 2024 documentary June.
June was a loving mother and stepmother to Johnny’s four daughters from his first marriage: Rosanne, Kathy, Cindy, and Tara. She often said that family was her greatest joy.
Death
June Carter Cash died on May 15, 2003, at the age of 73 in Nashville, Tennessee. She was diagnosed with a leaky heart valve in April 2003 and had surgery on May 7, but complications caused her health to decline quickly. She passed away peacefully with her family, including Johnny Cash, by her side. Her funeral was held at First Baptist Church in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Johnny Cash died four months later, on September 12, 2003, from complications of diabetes. Their daughter Rosie Nix Adams died on October 24, 2003, from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Songs
June Carter Cash wrote or co-wrote many notable songs and recorded duets and solo tracks:
- “Ring of Fire” (co-writer with Merle Kilgore; Johnny Cash’s 1963 #1 hit)
- “Jackson” (1967 Grammy-winning duet with Johnny Cash)
- “If I Were a Carpenter” (1970 Grammy-winning duet)
- “Wildwood Flower” (traditional Carter Family song; her 2003 album version won Grammys)
- “Keep on the Sunny Side” (traditional; 2004 Grammy winner)
- “Jukebox Blues,” “No Swallerin’ Place,” “The Heel,” “Big Yellow Peaches”
June released three solo albums: Appalachian Pride in 1975, Press On in 1999, and Wildwood Flower in 2003. She also sang on many of Johnny Cash’s albums and TV specials.
Movies
June Carter Cash acted in several films and TV shows:
- Gunsmoke (1957) – guest role
- The Last Days of Frank and Jesse James (1986) – Momma James
- Murder in Coweta County (1983) – Mayhayley Lancaster
- The Apostle (1998) – Mrs. “Momma” Dewey
- Dr Quinn, Medicine Woman (1993–1997) – recurring as Sister Ruth
June also appeared in Johnny Cash’s TV specials and documentaries. Her life was portrayed by Reese Witherspoon in the film Walk the Line (2005) and by Jewel in the TV movie Ring of Fire (2013).
Net Worth
At the time of her death on May 15, 2003, June Carter Cash’s net worth was estimated at $10–$15 million (USD). This came from:
- Decades of music royalties from Carter Family songs, solo work, and duets with Johnny Cash.
- TV and film acting fees.
- Book sales (autobiographies).
- Joint assets with Johnny Cash (real estate, investments).
- Performance and appearance income.
After June’s death, her estate kept earning money from The Johnny Cash Show, The Carter Family catalogue, and streaming of her music. She left gifts to charity, including support for SOS Children’s Villages. There were no major disputes over her estate.
