Singer Naomi Judd, part of the Grammy-winning duo The Judds and mother of Wynonna and Ashley Judd passed away on April 30 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.”
Her husband of 32 years, Larry Strickland, released a statement that read, “Naomi Judd’s family request privacy during this heartbreaking time. No additional information will be released at this time.”
Both daughters will be celebrating Naomi’s life and career at a memorial service that will be televised on CMT and Sandbox Entertainment on Sunday.
Memorial Service For Naomi Judd To Air On CMT And Sandbox Entertainment
On Wednesday, CMT and Sandbox Entertainment announced that they are going to honor the “Love Can Build A Bridge” singer with a live event airing on Sunday.
The event is called “Naomi Judd: A River of Time Celebration” and will feature a commercial-free public memorial service at the Ryman Auditorium starting at 6 PM ET.
In a statement, CMT producers said, “We are sincerely privileged to work alongside Wynonna, Ashley, and Larry to present this live celebration of life for their mother and wife Naomi. While we all continue to deeply mourn the loss of such a legendary artist, we are honored to commemorate her legacy alongside the country community, her friends, family and legions of fans across the world at the perfect venue: The Mother Church of Country Music.”
They continued, “This special will celebrate her timeless voice, unforgettable spirit, and the immense impact she left on our genre through the best form of healing we have – music.”
Additional performers and other special guest appearances have yet to be announced at this time.
Dolly Parton, Carrie Underwood, & More Pay Tribute
“Jolene” singer Dolly Parton posted a statement to her Instagram page to express her condolences for the late star and friend.
“I was so shocked to hear about Naomi’s passing,” Dolly began. “Naomi and I were close. We were very similar. We were the same age and both Capricorns. We loved big hair, makeup, and music. I have always loved Ashley, Wynonna, and Naomi. They’ve always been like sisters to me.”
“Congratulations Wynonna for you and your mom being inducted into the Hall of Fame yesterday,” she continued. “I am sorry I couldn’t be there but I can hear Naomi saying now, ‘Oh well, a day late and a Dolly short.’ Congratulations and condolences are both in order. Just know that I will always love you.”
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…”
Oh Sweet Jesus… Naomi Judd has gone home … the day before the Judds @countrymusichof induction … This is divesting news… We are saddened beyond words…
— The Oak Ridge Boys (@oakridgeboys) April 30, 2022
The Oak Ridge Boys tweeted, “Oh Sweet Jesus… Naomi Judd has gone home … the day before the Judds @countrymusichof induction … This is [devastating] news… We are saddened beyond words…”
This is heartbreaking news! Naomi Judd was one of the sweetest people I’ve ever known. I had the honor of working with her in movies and numerous musical events. My deepest heartfelt condolences go out to her family. https://t.co/ONRL9Q29om
— Travis Tritt (@Travistritt) April 30, 2022
Travis Tritt tweeted, “This is heartbreaking news! Naomi Judd was one of the sweetest people I’ve ever known. I had the honor of working with her in movies and numerous musical events. My deepest heartfelt condolences go out to her family.”
So very sad to hear of #NaomiJudd passing today. I had the great honor of knowing her, and she was no doubt one of the most iconic entertainers ever to make country music. Thinking of my good friend @Wynonna right now, this is a very tough day for her and the family. #TheJudds
— John Rich (@johnrich) April 30, 2022
John Rich tweeted, “So very sad to hear of #NaomiJudd passing today. I had the great honor of knowing her, and she was no doubt one of the most iconic entertainers ever to make country music. Thinking of my good friend @Wynonna right now, this is a very tough day for her and the family. #TheJudds”
I am absolutely heartsick to hear the news about Naomi Judd. My heart and my prayers go out to Wynonna, Ashley Judd, and all of us friends and fans who loved and respected her so much. She is irreplaceable — a country music legend will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/PUI79HNqJX
— Ty Herndon (@TyHerndoncom) April 30, 2022
Ty Herndon tweeted, “I am absolutely heartsick to hear the news about Naomi Judd. My heart and my prayers go out to Wynonna, Ashley Judd, and all of us friends and fans who loved and respected her so much. She is irreplaceable — a country music legend will never be forgotten.”
