Johnny Cash Wife: Vivian Dorraine Liberto, also known as Vivian Liberto Cash, was born in San Antonio, Texas on April 23, 1934. She was the daughter of devout Catholics Irene Robinson Liberto and Thomas Peter Liberto.
Vivian’s faith played an important role throughout her life, particularly during the tumultuous conclusion of her marriage to Johnny Cash.
Johnny Cash Wife
The love story between Vivian and Johnny Cash began on July 18, 1951, when they met by coincidence at a skating tournament. Vivian, a shy 17-year-old teenager, was instantly enamoured. Even Johnny’s deployment to Germany with the United States Air Force was unable to quell their passion.
They wrote each other heartfelt letters until reuniting in 1954 and marrying in a private ceremony. Vivian filed for divorce from Johnny in 1966 as a result of his extramarital affairs and substance addiction.
Career of Johnny Cash
While Johnny Cash’s career flourished in the 1950s, Vivian opted to avoid the spotlight. She devoted herself to rearing Cindy, Rosanne, Kathy, and Tara Cash, their four children. In stark contrast to Johnny’s second wife, June Carter, who was also in the entertainment industry, her existence centred around her family.
Controversies and Difficulties
Ethnic Identity
A newspaper photograph of Johnny and Vivian in 1965 sparked rumours about her race. Contrary to conventional belief, she was of African-American ancestry, the article revealed. This revelation caused some of Johnny’s admirers to react negatively, resulting in concert cancellations and false accusations against the singer.
Accused of racism
Due to the controversy surrounding her race, Vivian became the target of discriminatory attacks. Extremist groups such as the Ku Klux Klan issued death threats after newspapers such as ‘The ThunderBolt’ and ‘The National States Rights Party’s publication’ published slanderous stories about her.
Excommunicability and Salvation
After her divorce from Johnny, Vivian was excommunicated from the Catholic Church, presenting her with yet another obstacle. After Johnny admitted his defects in the marriage in a letter to the archdiocese, the Church reversed its decision and welcomed Vivian back into the fold.
Life After Johnny
In 1968, Vivian rediscovered love when she wed police officer Dick Distin. Together, they reared Vivian’s daughters from a prior relationship. She was also involved in community service, volunteering for numerous organisations and serving as president of the Garden Club of San Buenaventura.
Legacy and Reminiscence
Vivian’s biography “I Walked the Line: My Life with Johnny” was published in 2007, two years after her demise. This collection of unpublished love letters was written in response to her portrayal in the 2005 film “Walk the Line.” The purpose of Vivian’s narrative was to correct the record and cast light on her side of the story.
Last Days
Vivian Liberto Cash died on May 24, 2005, at the age of 71, due to complications following lung cancer surgery. She was encircled by loved ones during her final moments. Through her offspring, grandchildren, and the memories she left behind, Vivian’s legacy endures.
