It’s hard to believe it’s been just over a year since we lost the country music legend, Naomi Judd. Her tragic death by suicide shocked many, but perhaps no one suffered more than her daughter, Wynonna.
The bond between Naomi and Wynonna was more than just that of a mother and daughter. They were also bandmates in The Judds, and together they achieved incredible success in the country music scene, winning numerous awards and delivering hit after hit.
Naomi was forced to retire in 1991 due to health issues, but Wynonna went on to have a successful solo career of her own. Just this weekend, she accepted the Country Champion Award at the inaugural People’s Choice Country Awards and shared heartbreaking details about her mother’s death.
Wynonna spoke about their journey together, saying, “I graduated high school in 1982, got a record deal in 1983, and for the next 10 years, I got on a Silver Eagle bus with my mama and did her hair every night for free.” Their bond was strong and their love for each other evident.
Tragically, on August 30th of last year, Naomi took her own life. Wynonna was by her side, holding her in her arms and saying her final goodbyes. The next day, Wynonna walked into the Country Music Hall of Fame to accept her induction, despite her heartache and loss.
The timing of Naomi’s death was particularly difficult, as The Judds were meant to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame just a day later. Ashley, Wynonna’s younger sister, tearfully expressed her sorrow, saying, “I’m sorry that she couldn’t hang on until today.”
In her acceptance speech for the Country Champion Award, Wynonna shared her feelings of brokenness and blessing. “My heart’s broken,” she said, “but I feel so blessed. It’s a strange dynamic to be this broken and this blessed.”
She ended her speech with a powerful message, encouraging everyone to never give up on their dreams. Reflecting on her fame, she humbly acknowledged that not everyone may know her or remember her fabulous years, but she wanted everyone to remember to always pursue their dreams.
Losing Naomi Judd so suddenly was a shock to many, but her legacy lives on in the hearts of her loved ones and fans. Let’s remember her incredible talent and the impact she had on the country music world.
