Johnny Cash died from complications of a common condition - symptoms to look out (2024)

Johnny Cash died from complications of a common condition - symptoms to look out (1)

Johnny Cash rockin' on his guitar (Image: Getty)

Throughout his iconic career, Johnny Cash made everlasting songs such as Hey Porter and I Walk The Line.

Cash also inspired a biopic about his life, called Walk The Line, which highlighted the star's heavy drinking and addiction to amphetamines and barbiturates.

In the lead up to his death on September 12, 2003, it wasn't a drug overdose that ended his life, but complications from diabetes.

His manager, Lou Robin, confirmed the cause of death in a statement issued by Baptist Hospital in Nashville.

"Johnny died due to complications from diabetes, which resulted in respiratory failure," Lou Robin stated.

Johnny Cash died from complications of a common condition - symptoms to look out (2)

Johnny Cash when he was younger (Image: Getty)

The 13-time Grammy Awards winner passed away at the age of 71 after recurrent stays at the hospital.

According to Rolling Stone, Cash had been suffering from ill health for the last six years of his life.

Only a week before his death the musician had a two-week stay at hospital due to pancreatitis.

Diabetes symptoms and complications

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Johnny Cash

Symptoms of diabetes, as pointed out by the NHS:

  • Feeling very thirsty
  • Peeing more frequently than usual, particularly at night
  • Feeling very tired
  • Weight loss and loss of muscle bulk
  • Itching around the penis or vagin*, or frequent episodes of thrush
  • Blurred vision.

High blood sugar levels can seriously damage parts of your body.

Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to major complications such as eye problems, foot issues, heart attack and stroke, as well as kidney trouble.

High blood sugar levels are irritating for the blood vessels, the charity explains.

Diabetes UK says: "If your blood vessels aren’t working properly, blood can’t travel to the parts of your body it needs to," Diabetes UK elaborates.

"This means your nerves won’t work properly either and means you lose feeling in parts of your body."

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    If you have diabetes, the best way to keep on top of your health is to attend regular health visits.

    Key components of good blood sugar control include not smoking, eating a healthy diet, and exercising frequently.

    The charity adds: "Everyone with diabetes is entitled to a series of tests and checks each year to monitor their diabetes, look out for any problems and see if any further support is needed."

    Johnny Cash: The Man, His World, His Music airs on BBC Two on Saturday, August 19 at 9:30pm.

    Johnny Cash died from complications of a common condition - symptoms to look out (2024)

    FAQs

    Johnny Cash died from complications of a common condition - symptoms to look out? ›

    "Johnny died due to complications from diabetes, which resulted in respiratory failure," Lou Robin stated.

    When did Johnny Cash die and why? ›

    On September 12th, 2003, the world bid a sad farewell to the Man in Black, Johnny Cash. The 71-year-old American icon was still grieving the loss four months earlier of his wife of 35 years, June Carter Cash, when he died from complications from diabetes in the early-morning hours at Nashville's Baptist Hospital.

    Did Johnny Cash have autonomic neuropathy? ›

    The singer had been in ill health for the past six years. He was initially diagnosed with Shy-Drager Syndrome, a type of Parkinson's Disease, but subsequent diagnosis found him to have autonomic neuropathy, which left him susceptible to bronchitis and pneumonia.

    Was Johnny Cash blind when he died? ›

    Speaking about the musician's final days, John told Starts at 60: “Music was his therapy towards the end, it was his life and his only way of self expression. He was pretty much blind, he was in constant physical pain, he had bouts of pneumonia, but he kept going and persisting.

    Was Johnny Cash diabetic? ›

    Country music superstar and legendary Man in Black, Johnny Cash had Type 2 diabetes.

    What caused Johnny Cash's death? ›

    Cash died on September 12, 2003 in Nashville, Tennessee from complications of diabetes.

    What disease did Johnny Cash have? ›

    But yesterday morning around 2 a.m., Mr. Cash passed away at Baptist Hospital, succumbing to respiratory failure brought on by complications from diabetes. He was 71 years old, and his life altered the course of American popular music.

    What are the signs and symptoms of autonomic neuropathy? ›

    Symptoms of Autonomic Neuropathy

    Loss of bladder control, leading to infection or incontinence. Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting because of a loss of control over blood pressure. Diarrhea, constipation or incontinence related to nerve damage in the intestines or digestive tract. Difficulty eating or swallowing.

    Was Johnny Cash ill before he died? ›

    The 13-time Grammy Awards winner passed away at the age of 71 after recurrent stays at the hospital. According to Rolling Stone, Cash had been suffering from ill health for the last six years of his life.

    Can you live a long life with autonomic neuropathy? ›

    It can produce symptoms that can make your life harder but not necessarily shorter. Most forms of dysautonomia are not fatal, and you can live a full life with the right treatment. Some forms of dysautonomia are progressive and have severe consequences, but these conditions are rare.

    Was Johnny Cash's first wife black? ›

    Was Johnny Cash's first wife black? Vivian Liberto was biracial or multiracial including being mixed with black or she was very light skinned and black.

    How long did Johnny Cash live after June died? ›

    Johnny Cash also became step-father to Carlene and Rosie, June's daughters from her first two marriages. They stayed married for 35 years until June's death in May 2003. After June's death, Cash stated his belief that his only reason for living was his music, and he died only four months later.

    Who is Johnny Cash's son? ›

    In his memoir about time with Cash, Grant said that the birth of Cash's son, John Carter Cash, inspired the singer to end his dependence.

    Did Elvis have Type 1 diabetes? ›

    Throw in the obesity Elvis suffered from near the end of his life, what appears to be type II diabetes, an enlarged heart, and a steady diet of unhealthy, fatty and fried foods, along with his notorious prescription pill consumption, and you have the perfect prescription for disaster.

    Where did Johnny Cash live when he died? ›

    Joanne Cash Yates, younger sister of Johnny Cash, reflects at his grave with a visitor from Florida. After spending 35 years living in Sumner County, Johnny and June both passed away in 2003 and were laid to rest at Hendersonville Memory Gardens located at 353 East Main Street, Hendersonville, Tennessee, 37075.

    What did Johnny Cash say before he died? ›

    Johnny Cash said "you know when I die, I want my last words to be memorable. I want my last words to be there forever." A few weeks later 'Folsom prison blues' came out, so I believe that those were Johnny Cash's last words because that just can't be a coincidence.

    How long did Johnny Cash live after his wife died? ›

    Johnny Cash also became step-father to Carlene and Rosie, June's daughters from her first two marriages. They stayed married for 35 years until June's death in May 2003. After June's death, Cash stated his belief that his only reason for living was his music, and he died only four months later.

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