When Carlene Carter was just starting her music career, her mom, the legendary June Carter Cash, had a way of showing up unexpectedly to surprise her at performances. "I was playing at these raucous rock clubs, and my mom would show up with one of her girlfriends, wearing all sorts of colorful wigs," Carlene recalls with a laugh. "I'd look down, and there she'd be—June Carter Cash dancing like there was no tomorrow and shouting, 'Whoo, baby!' She had a way of making every moment unforgettable."
June, a five-time Grammy Award winner, wasn't just a musical icon; she was a force of nature who made the most out of every moment in life. She began performing professionally with her family at the tender age of 10 and went on to achieve success as a singer, songwriter, actress, and author. "She lived a life that's nothing short of a hero's journey," says Kristen Vaurio, director of June, a captivating new documentary streaming on Paramount+. "Her entire life is an epic tale, filled with triumphs, challenges, and an unshakable spirit."
While her music career has been celebrated for decades, there's so much more to June's story than just her hits. For instance, her time studying acting at the renowned Neighborhood Playhouse in New York City remains relatively unknown. "Back in those days, it wasn't common for women to take their kids, get a divorce, and move to New York to chase their dreams," Carlene explains. "But that's exactly what my mom did. She hung out with legends like Marlon Brando and James Dean. She called those years her 'rock and roll years,' and I truly believe she paved the way for countless women who dared to follow their passions."
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Carlene also shares fond memories of touring with her mom, often traveling long distances by car. "Back then, we didn't have fancy tour buses," she reminisces. "We'd pile into the car, drive for hours, and play for an hour at some tiny venue. I learned to sleep in any position because that's just how it was. It was a tough life, but it was also magical in its own way."
For a brief period in the mid-1950s, June was managed by the legendary Colonel Tom Parker and toured alongside Elvis Presley. "I've always wondered if she ever... well, you know, slept with Elvis," Carlene jokes. "But she never told me, and I guess I'll never know!"
Elvis was the first to introduce June to the rising star Johnny Cash, who would later become her third husband and inspire the iconic hit "Ring of Fire," which she co-wrote. Even though June was the bigger star when they met, she never let Johnny's growing fame overshadow her own. "It would have been hard not to feel overshadowed, considering Johnny was one of the most charismatic men on the planet," Carlene reflects. "But she never showed any signs of jealousy. She loved performing with him, especially when it involved their family."
June cherished every opportunity to sing with her husband, but she especially enjoyed performing alongside her sisters and children. "She used to say there's nothing quite like singing with your family," Carlene explains. "There's a unique sound when family members sing together—a harmony that's hard to replicate. It's something special, and she loved it."
Life at Home: A Well-Rounded Life
June and Johnny faced their share of challenges, as any couple does, but Carlene remembers their life together as being incredibly fulfilling. "They spent most of their time together, whether they were reading, writing, or working in the studio," she says fondly. "June loved to shop at places like Pottery Barn, where she'd find big pots to plant flowers. I feel incredibly lucky to have learned so much from them. A lot of artists' kids don't know how to can beans, but I do!"
Beyond the practical skills, June taught her family the importance of embracing life fully. Until her passing in 2003, she remained endlessly curious and hopeful. "She taught us to keep moving forward, no matter how hard things get," Carlene shares. "Life can be tough, and sometimes it feels like you're in the darkest place imaginable, but you just have to take one step at a time. She lived without regrets, and she inspired us to do the same."
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