Mike Hendrix (of Cold Fury fame) once shared a stage with June Carter Cash, her husband, and other worthies. You should read his tribute to the great lady.

While I mention that, I'll also give a plug to a movie called The Apostle. It was one of the very best films of the 1990s, and June Carter Cash's performance was one of this powerful movie's many high points.

By the way, Southerners have a phrase that Northerners don't understand very well. But just so you all know, when they call someone a "great lady," they don't mean it informally. Just so you all know: she was a great lady.

Will The Circle Be Unbroken written by A.P. Carter; last verse by Jimmy Ibbotson

I was standing by my window
On one cold and cloudy day
When I saw that hearse come rolling
For to carry my mother away

Will the circle be unbroken
by and by, Lord, by and by
There's a better home a-waiting
in the sky, Lord, in the sky

I said to that undertaker
"undertaker please drive slow"
For this lady you are carrying
Lord, I hate to see her go

Oh, I followed close behind her
Tried to hold up and be brave
But I could not hide my sorrow
When they laid her in the grave

I went back home, my home was lonesome
missed my mother, she was gone
All of my brothers, sisters crying
What a home so sad and lone

We sang the songs of childhood
Hymns of faith that made us strong
Ones that Mother Maybelle taught us
Hear the angels sing along

Will the circle be unbroken
by and by, Lord, by and by
There's a better home a-waiting
in the sky, Lord, in the sky