Johnny Cash made his first public performance in nearly two years with his wife June Carter Cash faithfully by his side in New York City back in 1999. Singing iconic tunes such as “Ring of Fire”, “I Walk the Line”, and “Folsom Prison Blues”, the country music legends took the stage by storm at the all-star tribute concert.
“[This is] my first time to walk onstage in 19 months,” Cash said according to MTV.
The most iconic couple in the history of country music were joined by fellow artists – whom Cash regarded as “people [he] love[s] most and people [he’s] never met before” –Willie Nelson, Sheryl Crow, Trisha Yearwood, and many more. The 67-year-old singer performed eloquently in spite of the fact he was knee deep in a battle against degenerative disease Shy-Drager syndrome.
Carter took the stage for a dazzling rendition of her husband’s hit song “Ring of Fire” which she is credited as the songwriter of. Armed with a autoharp, the country songstress nailed her performance both musically and vocally. Closing out the star-studded night, Cash and Carter made history performing iconic country song “I Walk the Line”, joined midway through the performance by their fellow artists.
The farewell concert was hosted by Oscar-winning actor Jon Voight and speeches were given by their son John Carter Cash as well as Rosanne Cash.
You can watch a segment of the show below.
