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. The ceremony did go on, with Wynonna and her sister, Ashley, in attendance, remembering their mother in an emotional tribute.
Wynonna & Ashley Honor Late Mother Naomi Judd At Emotional Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony
On Sunday night, four inductees were supposed to be entered into the Country Music Hall of Fame: The Judds, consisting of Wynonna and her mother, Naomi, Ray Charles, Eddie Bayers, and Pete Drake. The night also included performances from Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, and Vince Gill.
Wynonna and Ashley accepted the induction together and recited a Bible verse together to honor their late mother. Both daughters and the gathered audience were in tears as they remembered The Judds, who had fourteen number one hit songs before Naomi stopped touring due to a diagnosis of Hepatitis C.
“I’m sorry that she couldn’t hang on until today,” Ashley said to the audience through her tears. Wynonna talked about the family coming together to say goodbye to her. Both daughters recited Psalm 23 together.
“Though my heart is broken, I will continue to sing,” Wynonna added. Wynonna began a solo career after her mother’s hepatitis diagnosis, although the two reunited now and again for special tours. The two were supposed to perform a final tour together this fall.
American Country Music Awards Remember Naomi Judd’s Musical Legacy
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. On Saturday, the Academy 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. One fan wrote, “Very sad. Prayers for Wynonna and Ashley , Naomi’s husband Larry and the rest of the family.” Many in the music industry also paid tribute to the late talent, including “American Idol” alum Carrie Underwood.
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
Carrie Underwood tweeted, “Country music lost a true legend…sing with the angels, Naomi!!! We’re all sending up prayers for the Judd family today…”
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
Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth 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 💔”
