Johnny Cash's Letters to Wife Revealed in This Book Excerpt
- Posted on Sep 11th 2007 3:00PM by Jessica Robertson
- Comments (100)
In July 1951, Vivian Liberto, a 17-year-old schoolgirl, met her first and future husband, Johnny Cash, at a skating rink in San Antonio. The then-obscure 19-year-old Johnny left for service in the United States Air Force in Landsberg, Germany, shortly thereafter, only to return in 1954 and marry the young Vivian. Their marriage produced four daughters, including singer-songwriter Rosanne Cash, before dissolving in 1966 -- two years before Johnny married June Carter, a romance that would eventually obscure his with Vivian. Vivian, who died in 2005, long dodged the retelling of her years with Johnny. That is, until she got the blessing from the Man in Black himself. Together with television and radio writer-producer Ann Sharpsteen, Vivian recounts her years as Johnny's First Lady in 'I Walked the Line: My Life With Johnny,' a memoir written mostly with Johnny's words, via letters he wrote to Vivian during the lovers' three-year separation from 1951 to 1954. As Sharpsteen writes, the letters "provide a mountain of evidence contradicting many misconceptions the world has about Johnny, reveal startling mistakes Johnny made along his way to becoming a champion for people of all races and stature, and share Johnny's touching confessions and apologies for behavior he later became deeply ashamed of."
It was
And then a bone-chilling scream came from down the hall. Cindy was the first to hear the news: Johnny was dead.
For the rest of the night, none of us slept. Cindy was inconsolable, devastated, virtually drowning in grief after the call. She had spent the last three months with Johnny at his home, caring for him, doting on him and she had just left for a quick visit to come see me. She was choked in grief now that she wasn't there when he passed. Helpless to do much else, I simply hugged her.
I knew firsthand the pain of losing a parent. I lost both of mine years ago. The coming weeks and months, even years, would be tough, not only for her but also for our other three daughters Johnny and I had together: Rosanne, Kathy, and Tara. Our poor babies would never be the same. I knew that much.
To the world, Johnny was revered as the Man in Black. But to us he was simply Daddy. To the girls, he was their world. And to me he is and will always be my wonderful, caring, protective husband and the father of my children. In disbelief I paced the floor.
Johnny was supposed to have been here in
Within hours, Johnny's death was the top story on all the cable news channels and morning shows. The media frenzy had begun. CNN, Fox News, ABC, CBS, NBC, every channel I turned to, were all talking about our family.
The music world is mourning the death this morning of one of it's most influential performers, Johnny Cash ...
Johnny Cash, the Man in Black, died this morning in a
One of the greatest voices in American music is silent today ...
It was surreal to hear them talking about Johnny in the past tense. Only eight weeks earlier, I had been with him in his home in
Ironically, it was during that visit that we discussed this book and I told him of my decision to write it. To be honest, I was a little nervous in telling him. I wasn't sure how he would react to me finally deciding to tell my story. Not only have I gone out of my way for years to not talk about our years together, but the real truth about our marriage and divorce has never been told. Now that I had decided to tell the truth, I wondered how he would feel about that.
My decision to write this book was a difficult one for me. Early on, I became aware that some of the things I planned on revealing would be upsetting to Johnny's second wife, June. I was also aware that some of her irritation might inevitably be targeted at Johnny. And with all of his medical problems at the time, I cringed at the possibility of imposing any additional misery on him.
Two months earlier, however, something happened that none of us expected: June passed away. It was a devastating blow to Johnny and to our girls, who had known June for many years by that time. However, along with the understandable sadness at her passing, I experienced a sense of liberation that I would be freer to say the things I have to say -- and Johnny would be freer to tell the truth too. The full story of our lives, the unvarnished truth, could now be told more easily without hesitancy. Would Johnny agree? I wouldn't know until I spoke with him.
During our visit, I settled in on a sofa by the fireplace in Johnny's bedroom and we chatted. It was so good to see him. He was enjoying improvement in his health in recent weeks. He had gone fishing for the first time in years. He had gone swimming. And he was walking again. On July 11 he took twenty-five steps unassisted. On July 12 he took seventy steps. It made me happy to hear of his continued improvement. And despite the fact that he was still obviously grieving the loss of June, I was thrilled to hear him say, "I'm happy."
One of the household help came into the bedroom with a silver tray carrying coffee and cream and sugar and set it on the coffee table. When she left, we finally had some privacy for me to share my news.
"Johnny," I said. As usual since the divorce, it was hard for me not to call him Honey. Years of habit are hard to break. I concentrated as I chose my words. "Johnny, I have thought long about -- and prayed about -- writing a book. I want to write a book and tell our story, and the truth of what happened. I spoke with the girls, and they are in support of it. So I've made a decision to do it," I said. "How do you feel about that?" I kept my eyes fixed on Johnny's face, watching for a change in his expression.
"I've been thinking about that for the past couple years," he said without a breath of hesitation. "I think it's a great idea."
"Are you serious?" I asked. It surprised me that he had been thinking about it for a couple years. I was floored.
"Honestly, I have been," he said. "Viv, I've been thinking for years, if anyone on this planet should write a book about me, it should be you. It's time."
As we discussed the book, Johnny became more excited. I could tell his mind was whirling a mile a minute. "If there's anything I can do to help, I'll do it. I'll write the foreword too. All my fans will buy it. I know they will. It's time."
"It's time." Was I really hearing him right? I was overjoyed! Those simple words, "It's time," took on so many dimensions. It was one thing to have his blessing, which I had hoped for. But to have his encouragement and active support was wonderful. I was so glad he thought it was time.
"I hope it will be healing for you too," he added. Ironically, I wished the same for him.





Reader Comments(1 of 5)
mp3 downloadsat 2-04-2008
This should be a really interesting read.
neecyccat 8-16-2008
Why are you criticizing Vivian and blaming her for everything?! Most of you are acting as if she was the one responsible for their divorce. Johnny was the one who had an affair, was on drugs, and abusing her. And why do you think June Carter was the innocent one in all this? Family, friends, band members, all knew that she relentlessly pursued Johnny, and was on drugs herself. Haven't you read the book, "Anchored in Love" that John Carter Cash wrote. Some marriage! And as for some of you that think she's just trying to capitalize on the sucess of Walk the Line, or trying to strike back at Johnny and June. The woman died before the movie even came out, have some respect for her, her family and her four daughter's!
Ms. Bat 9-12-2007
This from the woman who married her second husband the day after her divorce from Cash was final. Makes you wonder . . . .
Peterat 9-12-2007
Say what you want Johnny Cash was a great force and entertainer in the music world. He will be sadly missed. You didn't have to be a fan to care about what the man in black stood for
Mindyat 9-12-2007
Thank you for sharing these letters. God Bless You
Derick Edgarat 9-12-2007
It amazes me, how someone in the country that could never carry a tune, be so popular. Always that black outfit as if that was the golden rule. What if we all did that? Silly, huh!
CashGirlat 9-12-2007
Dear Mrs. B:
Are you not the same person who has caused trouble on the Johnny Cash message boards for many years? I think the "B" stands for "Butcher." That describes you perfectly. You butcher everything you touch. Johnny, June, and Vivian would not be happy with your constant stirring and deceit. You should go away now, quietly and permanently. Nobody cares what you think.
This is a great book! Buy it! You will have more insight in to the man who was Johnny Cash to the world. Written lovingly!
suhat 9-12-2007
This should be a really interesting read.
I am hooked just by the sample letters in the article.
Lilaat 9-12-2007
that is so bogus!! johnny died of a broken heart. his one true love was June Carter cash!!
Dan Hinesat 9-12-2007
Will buy the book for sure.
Love the Man in Black.
Dano
msnowat 9-12-2007
The letter you have showing is not right. Why would you put a letter out clearly has the "N word aka another word or black person" on it. Sure you blotted out out the letters after the N but we still know what he wrote. Yeah right!! A champion for all races my ass. Not to mention he said yellow coon at the end of the first page.
otter14at 9-12-2007
I'm pretty sure that she is tring to capitolize on the success of the movie but I could be wrong
Raywood9at 9-12-2007
I feel Johnny Cash was so lucky to find love with two Lovely Beautiful women.
Raymond V.at 9-12-2007
I feel Johnny Cash was so lucky to fall in love twice, with two lovely women.
Pennyat 9-12-2007
What garbage, Johnny Cash loved and worshipped June Carter Cash. He died 4 months after her death because he was heartbroken at this loss. I think this woman just wanted to strike back at June while she could.
Donnaat 9-12-2007
Every letter has different hand writting this is so BOGUS
MoJoppznat 9-12-2007
Hmmm, always curious when someone decides to write a 'Tell-All' about a famous person..particularly a deceased one. I think at the very least, it's tacky..and she sure waited a long time to decide to work thru her own issues..which is what she tries to make it sound like she is doing. Why publicly? Of course you can't deny that especially at this point..she will make money from his fans who want to know more about him. I think it's just plain tacky no matter how you color the picture.
Lea Hartat 9-12-2007
Isn't it wonderful to see a couple that was so in love with one another?
Juanitaat 9-12-2007
The truth about Johnny Cash's first marriage lies somewhere between the movie (approved by Johnny and based on his book) and his ex-wife's book. I believe his song "Understand Your Man" written by Johnny about his first wife was his first raw emotion after the divorce. I am sure, as most people do, he mellowed as the years went by. I have never read anywhere that he ever badmouthed his first wife and I only hope his ex-wife followed his example.
Shellyat 9-12-2007
vivian should be ashamed of herself for revealing Johnny's deepest inner most secrets. Secrets that he revealed only to her, for her eyes only. She should be ashamed. Now she's capitalizing on his death. Shameful!