Credo: Carlene Carter
Musician and Johnny Cash's stepdaughter, 5
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.I believe...
We were raised as down-to-earth as possible. I'm grateful for it. I was 10 years old when John [Johnny Cash] came into my life. Of course, my mom [country singer June Carter] was already real famous, and I was aware of the hoo-ha that surrounded them together.
It's OK to take your time. It's taken me 13 years to get around to recording my new album and that's because I got busy with life. My last tour ran between 1998 and 1999. In that time, I was home 27 days. I fired my manager, my business manager and my agent, and my income increased by 30 per cent overnight. Then I rested awhile.
I was too young for my first marriage. I left home at 15 and started having babies at 16. I'd had three husbands by 23. The second was a songwriter who couldn't handle the fact the little lady was doing better than him. In my marriage to [British songwriter] Nick Lowe, there was no competitiveness. We lasted longer as a result.
You hang around the barbershop long enough, you're going to get a haircut. I never knew Howie [Epstein, bassist in Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and Carter's partner for 16 years] was taking heroin until it was too late. I joined him but it didn't suit me, so I left my life and moved back home. I was 48. It did me the world of good.
I'm a bubbling brew of emotions, but mostly I'm an optimistic person. In 2003, Howie died, my mom died, John died, and so did my half-sister Rosey. I always expected it to be me next, but somehow it never was.
I love to be surrounded by nature. I live in a beautiful place in northern California, I wake up to sunshine and snowcapped mountains. I have the sweetest husband by my side, and when I see my grandchildren, I melt.
Carlene Carter's new album, 'Stronger', is out now on Yep Roc Records
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments