The Judds’ Naomi Judd has died, aged 76
The Judds’ Naomi Judd has died aged 76, her family have confirmed.
“We sisters experienced a tragedy,” her daughters Wynonna and Ashley Judd said in a statement released yesterday (April 30).
“We lost our beautiful mother to the disease of mental illness. 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 continued.
pic.twitter.com/4Yd1JJygEC
— The Judds (@juddsofficial) April 30, 2022
The Judds, a country duo made up of Naomi and Wynonna, released their first EP in 1984 and went on to release six albums. They became one of the most successful acts in country music history, winning five Grammy Awards for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, and nine Country Music Association awards.
Naomi retired in 1990 after being diagnosed with Hepatitis C with Wynonna continuing as a solo artist. However the pair often performed together and had a farewell tour planned for later in 2022.
Last month, they performed ‘Love Can Build A Bridge’ at the Country Music Television awards and today (May 1) were due to be inducted into the Country Music Hall Of Fame.
Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall Of Fame said: “We are shocked and saddened by the death of Naomi Judd, who enters the Country Music Hall of Fame tomorrow as a member of The Judds. Her family has asked that we continue with the Judds’ Hall of Fame induction Sunday. We will do so, with heavy hearts.” However the red carpet experience will be cancelled.
“We are deeply saddened to learn about the passing of the legendary Naomi Judd and honoured to have shared many unforgettable moments and performances together over the years,” said a statement from Country Music Television. “Our hearts go out to her husband Larry, daughters Wynonna and Ashley, and her legions of fans around the world during this difficult time,”
Check out more tributes to the country legend below:
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
my heart, like so many’s are, is incredibly sad to hear of the passing of Naomi Judd. my deepest condolences and love goes out to @Wynonna and @AshleyJudd
truly a heartbreaking day. #RIPNaomiJudd #WynonnaJudd— leann rimes cibrian (@leannrimes) April 30, 2022
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
We held a pause in tonight’s Opry performance for a moment of silence in Naomi Judd’s honor, recognizing her impact as an artist and human being will last forever.
Our prayers for peace are with her family, friends, and fans. pic.twitter.com/2NjNLIB98v
— Grand Ole Opry (@opry) May 1, 2022
I am deeply saddened by the loss of Naomi Judd. My heart goes out to her family during this extremely difficult time. Country music will never be the same. Love one another. ❤️
— Trisha Yearwood (@trishayearwood) April 30, 2022
Mom and I are saddened to hear about the tragic passing of Naomi Judd. Prayers to Wynonna, Ashley and the rest of the Judd family. The Daniels family crossed paths with the Judd family many times over the years. Here's a photo from The Judds at dad's Volunteer Jam XII. – CD, Jr. pic.twitter.com/K2PnBYCCnZ
— Charlie Daniels (@CharlieDaniels) April 30, 2022
I’m shocked & saddened to hear of the passing of Naomi Judd. She & @Wynonna inspired an entire generation to chase their dreams & make them happen. Their music has been & will always be the standard. My prayers go out to the entire family as they navigate through this tragic time pic.twitter.com/PdGfsrR1mq
— Terri Clark (@TerriClarkMusic) April 30, 2022
In 2005, I sat across from Naomi Judd to talk about my book on Muslim women’s rights. On set, a Muslim woman said I wasn’t credible because I had an “illegitimate” baby. Stop, Naomi said: “There is no such thing as an illegitimate child.” She had this mama’s back ❤️ Rest In Peace pic.twitter.com/AS8M9kuc6b
— Asra Q. Nomani ? (@AsraNomani) May 1, 2022
I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of Naomi Judd! I met her a few times and she was always so charming, funny and irreverent! A huge loss for music and her girls! Much love and condolences to her whole family #RIPNaomiJudd https://t.co/7Rf5mvUHrw
— Morgan Fairchild (@morgfair) May 1, 2022
RIP Naomi Judd. My mom taught me seemingly every one of your songs. She’d sing them often and loud. You left Country Music better than you found it.
— Bobby Bones (@mrBobbyBones) April 30, 2022
Naomi Judd ? so sad to hear this news. Thinking of all of her family & friends. Tough day for country music..
— Cole Swindell (@coleswindell) April 30, 2022
Rest In Peace, Naomi Judd. Honored to have witnessed “Love Can Build a Bridge” just a few short weeks ago. ??
— MAREN MORRIS (@MarenMorris) April 30, 2022