Jewel on Playing Country Legend June Carter Cash

Reese Witherspoon won an Oscar for her portrayal of June Carter Cash in the 2005 film Walk the Line, but when casting the Lifetime biopic Ring of Fire, producers went the opposite direction, casting someone better known for singing as opposed to acting.

PIC: Jewel as June Carter Cash

"I was very surprised they thought of me [for the part]," said Jewel, who is playing the country-music legend in the TV movie. Jewel might be more comfortable in a music studio than on a film set, but what she lacks in acting experience she makes up for in real-life encounters.

"I got to open for Johnny [Cash] and June in England at the Royal Albert Hall, which was amazing," Jewel told ET Canada. "And I really had a lovely experience with June. She was sweet. She really made an impression on you."

Ring of Fire is based on the book by June Carter's son John Carter Cash, titled Anchored in Love: An Intimate Portrait of June Carter Cash. The book details June's life including her volatile marriage to Johnny Cash.

June passed away on May 15, 2003 at 73. Johnny died just four months later at 71.