Johnny Cash Is the First Musician with a Statue at the U.S. Capitol

On September 24, a statue of Johnny Cash was unveiled at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., marking the iconic musician as the first artist to receive a bronze likeness in National Statuary Hall.

The hour-long ceremony took place inside Emancipation Hall, during which lawmakers and family members reflected on Cash’s significant legacy. The United States Air Force band performed his classic hit “I Walk the Line” as part of the ceremony.

Roseanne Cash, Johnny Cash’s daughter, expressed deep pride in her father’s honor. She spoke about his humble beginnings as an Arkansas native and how the placement of his statue alongside historical figures like civil rights champion Daisy Bates symbolizes a remarkable achievement. “What a remarkable day. In my wildest dreams, I couldn’t have imagined,” she shared, commemorating both her father and her aunt, Joanne Cash, who also attended the event.

Speaking of her aunt, Roseanne noted, “She has tragically lost her sight and asked if she could touch the statue to feel what it was. And she did.” This personal connection emphasized the family’s cherished memories and shared respect for Johnny Cash’s incredible life.

The statue, sculpted by Kevin Kresse, depicts Cash holding a Bible and wearing a guitar strapped to his back. The accompanying placard identifies him as a “singer, songwriter, artist, and humanitarian.” Roseanne praised Kresse for capturing her father’s essence in bronze, stating, “You see this statue and you know this is no one else but Johnny Cash.”

Cash’s nephew, Dr. Mike Garrett, highlighted the statue’s meaningful representation. “My Uncle Johnny is holding a Bible out front. I think if there were visiting hours in heaven, I believe JR would say Kevin Kresse, you got that right,” he remarked.

The statue replaces the likeness of James P. Clarke, Arkansas’ 18th governor, who is known for remarks promoting the preservation of “white standards” in the state. Daisy Bates’ statue had taken the place of Uriah Rose, a Confederate sympathizer, further underlining a shift towards honoring figures of progress and equality.

Other speakers at the unveiling included House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and House Speaker Mike Johnson. Johnson acknowledged the broader significance of the moment, stating, “America is about more than law and politics.” Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and various other Arkansas lawmakers were also in attendance, sharing their thoughts on the momentous occasion.

Reflecting on her father’s legacy, Roseanne Cash conveyed, “This man was a living redemption story. He encountered darkness and met it with love.” She emphasized her father’s humble upbringing and the values he instilled, noting that his perseverance shaped his lifelong work ethic. “He was a patriot in the true sense of the word,” she added.

Johnny Cash was a passionate advocate for various causes, from prisoners’ rights to the rights of Native Americans, alongside support for impoverished children and those facing challenging circumstances. Roseanne acknowledged his unwavering commitment to these struggles, stating, “He was passionate in his work for the rights of prisoners, the rights of Native Americans, for impoverished children and for all those who struggled and whose prospects were dim.”

As she reflected on her father’s impressive accolades and honors throughout his lifetime, Roseanne asserted, “But on this day, I can safely say that he would feel that of all the many honors and accolades he received, this is the ultimate.” The unveiling of the statue serves as a powerful reminder of Johnny Cash’s enduring impact on American society and culture.