Before becoming country music's most celebrated couple, Johnny Cash and June Carter established their connection whilst Cash remained married to Vivian Liberto. As Cash performed increasingly with June and the Carter family, their relationship sparked speculation amongst his colleagues. Complicating matters further was June's younger sister, Anita, whom Cash's own bandmates observed he admired, suggesting his romantic attention extended to multiple family members.

When Cash proposed to June, the engagement surprised several people in their circle, including Anita, who apparently expected to be chosen herself. After marrying in early 1968, the couple's relationship remained strained, particularly when June became pregnant in 1969 and discovered Cash's ongoing affair with her sister. Eventually, Cash reassessed his conduct, later writing reflectively about his personal failings and his need to reform his behaviour and prioritise his family and spiritual commitments.