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Johnny Cash

Later Years and Health Struggles

Over the decades, Johnny Cash achieved worldwide acclaim and became one of the most admired figures in American music history. His deep, unmistakable voice and stark storytelling resonated across generations. However, his later years were marked by serious health challenges. In the late 1990s, it was initially believed that he had Shy-Drager syndrome, a rare neurodegenerative disorder. This diagnosis was later corrected to autonomic neuropathy associated with diabetes.

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His health continued to decline, and in 1998 he was hospitalized with severe pneumonia, causing lasting damage to his lungs. Despite these challenges, Cash continued to record music, producing some of his most critically acclaimed work during this period, including the "American Recordings" series produced by Rick Rubin.

Death and Legacy

Johnny Cash passed away on September 12, 2003, at Baptist Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee, due to complications from diabetes. He was 71 years old. His death came just under four months after the passing of his beloved wife, June Carter Cash. Despite his personal struggles, Johnny Cash's enduring legacy is one of artistic integrity, compassion for the downtrodden, and an indelible mark on American music. His broad appeal crossed musical genres and socio-political divides, solidifying his place as one of the most iconic figures in U.S. cultural history.

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Quick Facts
Net Worth 2021: 60 million
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Last Modified: Nov 24 2025
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