The tragic death of country star Naomi Judd in 2022 shocked the world, leaving her family devastated. Now, almost two years later, her daughter Ashley Judd is opening up about the ordeal they went through. In a recent speech at the White House, Ashley shared her family’s story to support the Biden Administration’s National Strategy for Suicide Prevention.
Ashley spoke about her late mother’s battle with mental health and depression. “On the day she died, which will be the two-year anniversary in one week, the disease of mental illness was lying to her,” Ashley emotionally shared. She described how her mother lived with an untreated and undiagnosed mental illness for most of her life, causing pain not only for her but also for their family.
Ashley, now 56 years old, also opened up about her own experiences with childhood trauma and depression. However, she emphasized that with the help of professionals, she has been able to find hope and recovery. “I carry a message of hope and recovery,” she bravely stated.
During the event, Ashley shared some personal photos, highlighting the importance of addressing the mental health crisis that our nation faces. She expressed the difficulty of discussing her mother’s struggles and death, but emphasized the need for raising awareness about mental health. “When we’re talking about mental illness, it’s very important to make the distinction between our loved one and the disease. It’s very real, and it lies. It’s savage,” she explained.
Ashley’s older sister, Wynonna Judd, also spoke to the media in April 2023, sharing her own insights and urging those who are struggling to seek help. As the first anniversary of their mother’s death approached, Wynonna mentioned the mix of emotions she felt, as their granddaughter’s first birthday also coincided with this time.
In the aftermath of Naomi’s death, Ashley gave an interview where she revealed that she was the one who found her mother’s body. This heartbreaking experience has left her with both grief and trauma.
