June Carter and Johnny Cash performing on stage.
Photo / Getty
June Carter and Johnny Cash performing on stage.
Photo / Getty
A heartfelt birthday message from Johnny Cash to his beloved wife June has been voted the greatest love letter of all time.
The simple, but plainly expressed missive in which the singer dubbed the Man in Black writes 'you're the object of my desire, the #1 Earthly reason for my existence,' has topped a list of passionate penmanship.
Written in 1994, the letter beat notes by Keats, Churchill, Jimi Hendrix and the great Hollywood lovers Richard Burton and Liz Taylor.
In the Valentine's Day poll, the country music legend Johnny Cash's letter in which he writes to "the greatest woman I ever met" on his wife June Carter's 65th birthday was regarded as the most moving.
Scroll down for excerpts from the greatest love letters of all time.
In it he wrote, "We got old and got used to each other. We think alike. We read each others [sic] minds. We know what the other wants without asking. Sometimes we irritate each other a little bit. Maybe sometimes we take each other for granted.
"But once in a while, like today, I meditate on it and realize how lucky I am to share my life with the greatest woman I ever met.
"You still fascinate and inspire me. You influence me for the better. You're the object of my deskre, the #1 Earthly reason for my existence. I love you very much."
Winston Churchill's words of undying love to his "darling Clemmie" in 1935 came second.
Despite his many wives King Henry VIII makes an appearance in the list confessing his love to his second wife Anne Boleyn in 1527.
The much-married monarch, who later had his wife executed, wrote: "I beg to know expressly your intention touching the love between us. Necessity compels me to obtain this answer, having been more than a year wounded by the dart of love, and not yet sure whether I shall fail or find a place in your affection."
Poet John Keats may be famous for his odes but he only manages third place on the table despite his way with words telling his next door neighbour Fanny Brawne that he can not live without her in 1819.
Jimi Hendrix's letter to his "little girl" comes in at tenth as he encourages her to "spread her wings". The recipient of the letter is unclear but still earns itself a place in the top spot.
The poll to discover our favourite romantic message was commissioned by British life insurance company Beagle Street to encourage Brits to be more romantic on February 14.
Top 10 greatest love letters of all time
1. Johnny Cash wishes wife June Carter Cash a happy 65th birthday (1994)
"We get old and get used to each other. We think alike. We read each others minds. We know what the other wants without asking. Sometimes we irritate each other a little bit. Maybe sometimes take each other for granted. But once in awhile, like today, I meditate on it and realise how lucky I am to share my life with the greatest woman I ever met."
2. Winston Churchill tells wife Clementine Churchill of his undying love (1935)
On his 71st birthday, former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and his wife Clementine.
Photo / Getty
"My darling Clemmie, in your letter from Madras you wrote some words very dear to me, about having enriched your life. I cannot tell you what pleasure this gave me, because I always feel so overwhelmingly in your debt, if there can be accounts in love."
3. John Keats tells next door neighbour Fanny Brawne he can not live without her (1819)
John Keats reading a book of poetry - after portrait by Joseph Severn.
Photo / Getty
"I cannot exist without you - I am forgetful of every thing but seeing you again - my Life seems to stop there - I see no further. You have absorb'd me."
4. Ernest Hemingway professes his love to Marlene Dietrich (1951)
American author Ernest Hemingwa and German-born actor Marlene Dietrich.
Photo / Getty
"I can't say how every time I ever put my arms around you I felt that I was home."
5. Napoleon Bonaparte sends his love to Josephine de Beauharnais (1796)
Josephine de Beauharnais, the first wife of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Photo / Getty
"Since I left you, I have been constantly depressed. My happiness is to be near you. Incessantly I live over in my memory your caresses, your tears, your affectionate solicitude. The charms of the incomparable Josephine kindle continually a burning and a glowing flame in my heart."
6. Richard Burton tells Elizabeth Taylor of her beauty (1964)
Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor in London.
Photo / Getty
"My blind eyes are desperately waiting for the sight of you. You don't realize of course, E.B., how fascinatingly beautiful you have always been, and how strangely you have acquired an added and special and dangerous loveliness."
7. King Henry VIII expresses his love for Anne Boleyn (1527)
Henry VIII, from the collection at Windsor Castle.
Photo / Getty
"I beg to know expressly your intention touching the love between us. Necessity compels me to obtain this answer, having been more than a year wounded by the dart of love, and not yet sure whether I shall fail or find a place in your affection."
8. Beethoven pens his love for his 'Immortal Beloved' whose true identity remains a mystery (1812)
Ludwig Van Beethoven.
Photo / Getty
"Though still in bed, my thoughts go out to you, my Immortal Beloved, Be calm-love me-today-yesterday-what tearful longings for you-you-you-my life-my all-farewell. Oh continue to love me-never misjudge the most faithful heart of your beloved. Ever thine. Ever mine. Ever ours."
9. Gerald Ford reminds wife Betty Ford of his and their family's love for her shortly after she was diagnosed with breast cancer (1974)
Gerald R. Ford relaxes with his wife Betty Ford while deep-sea fishing.
Photo / Getty
"No written words can adequately express our deep, deep love. We know how great you are and we, the children and Dad, will try to be as strong as you. Our Faith in you and God will sustain us. Our total love for you is everlasting."
10. Jimi Hendrix tells his 'little girl' to spread her wings (date unknown)
Jimi Hendrix posed at home in London.
Photo / Getty
"Happiness is within you*. so unlock the chains from your heart and let yourself grow like the sweet flower you are*..I know the answer-Just spread your wings and set yourself FREE"
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