Ryman Celebrates Johnny & June’s Love Story With Special Pop-Up Exhibit

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Les Leverett photograph of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash performing on the Ryman stage in 1968.

The Ryman is celebrating the 65th anniversary of the night Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash met backstage at the Grand Ole Opry with a special pop-up exhibit featuring artifacts from both the Ryman and Johnny Cash Museum collections.

The Johnny & June pop-up exhibit will be available as part of the Ryman daytime tour experience beginning July 7, and items on display include a black Oscar Schmidt autoharp owned and played by Maybelle Carter and later played by Carter Cash; a dress worn by Carter Cash; and a suit worn by Cash. A ticket bundle for self-guided tours of both the Ryman and Cash Museum are available for $40, and tickets are available here.

It was backstage at the Mother Church that Johnny and June’s legendary love story began. On the night of Johnny Cash’s Grand Ole Opry debut on July 7, 1956, a 27-year-old June Carter bumped into a 24-year-old Cash. A smitten Cash reportedly told Carter that night he knew he was going to marry her someday. The two went on to marry and continued to perform at the Ryman together throughout their careers.

“We are so thrilled to team up with our local partners at the Johnny Cash Museum to celebrate one of country music’s most iconic love stories,” says Gary Levy, Ryman Auditorium general manager. “Johnny and June have such a strong connection to the Ryman, and we are excited to share these beautiful artifacts alongside the Johnny Cash Museum, which has the most comprehensive collection of Johnny Cash artifacts and memorabilia in the world.”

Lorie Hollabaugh
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