Singer Naomi Judd, part of the Grammy-winning duo The Judds and mother of Wynonna and Ashley Judd passed away on Saturday at the age of 76.
Her daughters announced her death in a statement provided to The Associated Press. “Today we sisters experienced a tragedy. We lost our beautiful mother to the disease of mental illness,” the statement said. “We are shattered. We are navigating profound grief and know that as we loved her, she was loved by her public. We are in unknown territory.” The Judds were scheduled to be inducted into the County Music Hall of Fame on Sunday.
Many singers in the entertainment industry reached out to pay their respects, including Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth.
Kristin Chenoweth Recalls Meeting Naomi Judd Years Ago
I had the honor of meeting Naomi Judd years ago and she was so incredibly kind. Sending love and prayers to Wynonna, Ashley, and the whole Judd family during this time. I never thought she’d go 💔
— Kristin Chenoweth (@KChenoweth) April 30, 2022
Although she didn’t describe the circumstances surrounding how the two met, Kristin revealed that she “had the honor of meeting Naomi Judd years ago and she was so incredibly kind.”
“Sending love and prayers to Wynonna, Ashley, and the whole Judd family during this time,” she added. “I never thought she’d go 💔”
She was kind to everyone she met. Never met a celebrity who was just as interested in me and my family as I was in her and her family. I’m posting excerpts from our 1993 interview for fans who want to hear how special she was. https://t.co/7sOsQotOjg. pic.twitter.com/kbKD8CxbHF
— Michael Weinfeld (@mweinfeld) May 1, 2022
Many fans echoed her thoughts. “She was kind to everyone she met,” Michael Weinfeld added. “Never met a celebrity who was just as interested in me and my family as I was in her and her family. I’m posting excerpts from our 1993 interview for fans who want to hear how special she was.”
This is just so sad. And how fortunate you were. Prayers to the family.
— SuttonStracke (@SuttonBStracke) May 1, 2022
Bravo’s “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Sutton Stracke commented, “This is just so sad. And how fortunate you were. Prayers to the family.”
There are some people you just don’t equate with the word death. Even with her struggles, she was one because she was so … alive. Reminds me very much of the positive light you put into the world!
— Auntie is Boosted and WILL STAND UP FOR PEOPLE. (@AuntieTeaches) April 30, 2022
“There are some people you just don’t equate with the word death,” another user commented. “Even with her struggles, she was one because she was so … alive. Reminds me very much of the positive light you put into the world!”
American Country Music Awards Honors Late Naomi Judd
The Academy is deeply saddened by the heartbreaking news this afternoon of Naomi Judd’s passing. With her daughter Wynonna, the Judds won the ACM Award for Top Vocal Duet 7 consecutive years, as well as the ACM Pioneer Award more recently at the Academy of Country Music Honors. pic.twitter.com/w4J0XYoteC
— ACM Awards (@ACMawards) April 30, 2022
The American Country Music Awards paid tribute to the late singer by reflecting on her achievements in the country music industry. They tweeted, “The Academy is deeply saddened by the heartbreaking news this afternoon of Naomi Judd’s passing. With her daughter Wynonna, the Judds won the ACM Award for Top Vocal Duet 7 consecutive years, as well as the ACM Pioneer Award more recently at the Academy of Country Music Honors.”
The Judds earned 14 no. 1 songs, including many unforgettable hits. Join us in remembering her inspiring passion, her beautiful spirit, and her magnificent talent. https://t.co/sEPZ427mP5
— ACM Awards (@ACMawards) April 30, 2022
The Academy later added, “The Judds earned 14 no. 1 songs, including many unforgettable hits. Join us in remembering her inspiring passion, her beautiful spirit, and her magnificent talent.”
Very sad. Prayers for Wynonna and Ashley , Naomi’s husband Larry and the rest of the family.
— Debbi Daly Roelandts (@debsusan53) April 30, 2022
Many fans commented on the post to offer their thoughts and prayers. Many in the music industry also paid tribute to the late talent, including “American Idol” alum Carrie Underwood, who tweeted, “Country music lost a true legend…sing with the angels, Naomi!!! We’re all sending up prayers for the Judd family today…”
Country music lost a true legend…sing with the angels, Naomi!!! We’re all sending up prayers for the Judd family today…
— Carrie Underwood (@carrieunderwood) April 30, 2022
