On seeing his musical peers go before him
Having lived for seven decades, Merle started to feel lonely. He missed his friends especially Johnny Cash. To Merle, he’s closer than a brother and they best understood each than their closest kin.
Reportedly, before Cash’s death in 2003, Merle went to the hospital to see his friend. He disguised himself as a doctor so he could sneak in the ICU. He loved Johnny Cash that much that he broke down at the sight of his friend.
The love and friendship between these legends are reminiscent of the brotherhood between Jonathan and David in the Bible. In the book, the relationship was described as “souls being knitted.” Among men, there exists a special bond more than camaraderie. While they may have several lovers, there can only be one soulmate. And soulmates, don’t necessarily mean spouses.