Naomi Judd of The Judds passed away on April 30 at the age of 76. Her daughters, Wynonna and Ashley, shared the sad news in a statement on social media:
“Today we sisters experienced a tragedy. 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.”
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Just one day later, Naomi and Wynonna were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame to recognize their work as The Judds. Wynonna and Ashely attended the ceremony, and spoke about how they wished their mother could have been there to celebrate The Judds’ induction.
The sisters continued to display a united front at Naomi’s private memorial service, which featured performances from artists she specifically requested to have there. Wynonna and Ashley came together once more to honor their mom during a public memorial held at the Ryman Auditorium.
Wynonna performed multiple times during the ceremony. She closed things out by singing The Judds’ “Love Can Build a Bridge.”
One artist who honored Naomi at her public memorial was Carly Pearce. She sang “Why Not Me” during the service.
When Pearce took to the stage during CMA Fest in June, she once again wanted to sing “Why Not Me.” Much to everyone’s surprise, she welcomed Wynonna on stage to perform with her.
Wynonna was touched by the fans’ response to the performance. She spoke about her experience, saying:
“Friday night at Nissan Stadium was the most amazing celebration of Judds music. 70,000 people singing the words to “Why Not Me” back to us, WOW. Country music fans really ARE the most loyal!!!! I’m grateful to still have a seat at the table.”
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It made Ashley proud to see her big sister perform “Why Not Me” with Carly during CMA Fest. She gushed about Wynonna in a post on social media:
“Wow. This is the power of my big sister’s voice,” Ashley said. “She will blow you away. And she has blown me away with her willingness to show up & sing for our mom during this emotionally harrowing time. @wynonnajudd I lift you up, I love you, I walk beside you.”
Ashley made it clear how much she admires her big sister’s strength during this incredibly difficult time. You can read her full post below, in which she also thanks many of the musical friends who stepped up to help honor Naomi after her passing.
Wynonna and Ashley will be in our continued thoughts and prayers.