Johnny Cash’s Sister Joanne Cash, Who is Blind, Touches Her Brother’s Newly Unveiled Statue at the US Capitol

On Tuesday, September 24, the iconic US Capitol Building revealed a statue of Johnny Cash, marking him as the first musician ever honored among the 100 monuments within the Capitol. This significant tribute was made possible by the Arkansas State Legislature, which passed a bill in 2019 to replace two existing statues with sculptures of Cash and the eminent civil rights activist Daisy Bates.

As one of the most successful musicians in history, Johnny Cash has sold over 90 million records throughout his career. Born on February 26, 1932, Cash’s artistic influence crossed numerous genres, including rock and roll, folk, country, hip-hop, and gospel music. His remarkable journey came to an end in 2003 when he passed away at the age of 73.

At the statue unveiling, Cash’s younger sister, Joanne, was present. Despite being blind, the 54-year-old took a moment to touch the statue’s lower portion and expressed her thoughts, stating:

“I’m very careful not to put words in his mouth since his passing. But on this day, I can safely say that of all the many honors and accolades he received in his lifetime, this is the ultimate.”

The statue stands an impressive eight feet tall, depicting Johnny Cash with a guitar slung over his back and a Bible held in his hands, featuring his trademark slick black hair and a bowed head. His daughter, Rosanne Cash, also attended the ceremony and commented:

“You see this statue, and you know this is no one else but Johnny Cash.”

Johnny Cash was one of two figures to have sculptures newly installed at the Capitol, with Daisy Bates’ statue unveiled earlier in May. Bates was a journalist, publisher, human rights activist, and lecturer significantly involved during the Little Rock Crisis of 1957.

Who is Joanne Cash? A Glimpse into the Life of Johnny Cash’s Sister

Photo of Johnny CASH - Source: Getty (Photo by GAB Archive/Redferns) — Photo of Johnny CASH – Source: Getty (Photo by GAB Archive/Redferns)

Joanne Cash, the younger sister of the legendary Johnny Cash, has made significant contributions to the music industry, much like her famous brother. To date, she has recorded 26 albums, made numerous concert appearances, and authored an acclaimed autobiography titled My Fears Are Gone.

Growing up in Arkansas alongside Johnny and their siblings Reba, Tommy, Jack, Roy, and Louise, Joanne found her musical calling while working at the House of Cash, which served as Johnny Cash’s renowned recording studio before evolving into a music museum.

During her time there, Joanne met her husband, Dr. Harry Yates, and they were married on December 27, 1971. Together, they founded the Nashville Cowboy Church, which grew significantly and later relocated to the Texas Troubadour Theatre, where Johnny Cash frequently held events during his performing career.

In 2007, Joanne released her celebrated album Gospel, featuring fifteen hymns and original tracks like “Cotton, Popcorn, Peanuts, and Jesus”and “Glory Glory.”The album also included the songs “Lower Lights”and “Softly and Tenderly,”which were the last two tracks officially recorded alongside Johnny.

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