Johnny Cash's brother Tommy Cash dies as fans spot sad significance of date

Tommy Cash, the younger sibling of country music icon Johnny Cash, has sadly passed away at 84 years old - two days after the 21st anniversary of his brother's death. The news of his death was confirmed by the Johnny Cash Museum.

In an emotive message on Saturday, Bill Miller, founder and CEO of Icon Entertainment and the impresario behind the museum in Nashville, expressed his grief: "Shannon (Miller) and I lost a very, very dear friend last evening. I knew him for over 50 years.

"Tommy Cash was a loyal supporter of the Johnny Cash Museum and a very beloved member of our extended family as well as a highly respected member of the music industry. This great man will be deeply missed by his friends and many loyal fans around the world. Please keep Tommy's beloved wife Marcy and his family in your prayers."

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Following his brother Johnny's death in 2003 at age 71, Tommy carried on the Cash musical heritage, notably with his tribute album 'Fade To Black: Memories Of Johnny'. News of Tommy's death has seen an outpouring of emotion on social media as fans share their condolences.

One fan penned: "RIP Tommy Cash (the younger brother of Johnny Cash) a singer in his own right.", reports the Mirror US. Another paid homage stating: "RIP Tommy Cash the brother of Johnny Cash, 2 days after the anniversary of Johnny's passing too [sad face emoji]."

"We are saddened by the loss of a great man, Tommy Cash. He was born in Dyess April 5, 1940, was on the basketball team his junior year, and worked at the movie theater. He will be greatly missed," Dyess Colony: Johnny Cash Boyhood Home tweeted.

Tommy Cash, who entered this world in Dyess, Arkansas on April 5, 1940, served in the army after completing high school and honed his broadcasting skills as a DJ for the Armed Forces Radio Network. His career saw him rub shoulders with industry legends like Hank Williams Jr, with whom he collaborated, leading to his first record deal in 1965.

In the wake of monumental national tragedies, Cash honoured slain leaders John F Kennedy, Robert F Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr with his poignant song 'Six White Horses' released in 1969.

With notable tunes such as 'Rise And Shine', 'I Recall A Gypsy Woman' and 'One Song Away', Cash's musical footprint was significant. His talents also extended to acting; he shone in the 2016 teen film 'The River Thief', acting alongside 'Highlander' star Paul Johansson.

The Cash family remembers their beloved Johnny, who passed away on September 12, 2003, as well as siblings Roy, Margaret Louise, Jack, Reba, Joanne, and Tommy, marking an end of an era.