It was certified gold on March 24, 2003, and platinum on November 21, 2003, by the Recording Industry Association of America, the first non-compilation album of Cash's to do so since the early 1970s.

Cash was also nominated that year for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals for his "Bridge over Troubled Water" cover with Fiona Apple.

Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor admitted that he was initially "flattered" but worried that "the idea of Cash covering 'Hurt' sounded a bit gimmicky," but when he heard the song and saw the video for the first time, Reznor said he was deeply moved and found Cash's cover beautiful and meaningful, going as far as to say "that song isn't mine anymore.

Cash was suffering from multiple health problems and had lost most of his vision, with recording sessions interrupted by hospital stays.

Thomson quotes singer Will Oldham: "We should turn and switch off the tape when our listening energy would be better spent helping a living songwriter/performer.