The film premieres on January 16 via Paramount+
“Bad ass bitch” are the first words used to describe June Carter Cash in the official trailer for June, the documentary premiering via Paramount+ on Jan. 16. Kacey Musgraves assigns the label to her — and the remainder of the trailer ticks off all of the reasons why it’s a more than accurate descriptor.
In addition to Musgraves, the film features appearances and insight from Reese Witherspoon, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Larry Gatlin, Robert Duvall, Ronnie Dunn, and more. Having walked in the light of Carter Cash’s legacy and influence, the selection of entertainers spoke to the unorthodox ambition the country legend exhibited as a mother and wife who pushed back against the idea that either role should automatically overshadow her talent.
And although that did happen, nearly inevitable in the face of her marriage to Johnny Cash, June asserts the value of Carter Cash’s contributions to music. In one instance, the artist manager and music executive Vicky Hamilton, as well as Witherspoon, gush about the much unknown fact that Carter Cash was the main songwriter on his 1963 hit “Rind of Fire.” There’s boasting about her time spent touring with Elvis Presley, cracking audiences up as a comedian and actress, and stunning even more as a singer.
June was directed by Kristen Vaurio and combines these testaments with archival footage capturing Carter Cash’s life and legacy. “June Carter Cash was a legend hiding in plain sight. Don’t miss the story of talent, ambition, heartbreak and loyalty,” a synopsis reads. At the very end of the trailer, Parton offers a quick reminder: “If you only June Carter Cash, you’re missing a whole lot of things.”