Some of country music’s biggest stars are coming together to honor the life and legacy of Naomi Judd in a special for CMT.
Naomi passed away on Saturday (April 30) at age 76. She and her daughter, Wynonna, rose to fame as the country music duo The Judds. The Judds were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame the day after Naomi’s death, and Wynonna attended the ceremony.
Joined by her sister, actress Ashley Judd, a tearful Wynonna promised she’ll keep singing. “Though my heart’s broken, I will continue to sing, because that’s what we do,” she said.
Naomi was a beloved figure in the country music community. Many of her fellow artists were also her friends. Now, some of those friends will pay tribute to her in a new CMT special.
CMT unveiled its plans for the special, called CMT Remembers: Naomi Judd. The special will debut on Tuesday night (May 3) at 9 PM ET/8 PM CT on CMT.
Four encore presentations are planned throughout the next few days. The dates, times, and channels for those presentations are as follows:
- Wednesday, May 4 at 8:30 AM ET/7:30 AM CT on CMT
- Wednesday, May 4 at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT on CMT Music
- Saturday, May 7, at 12 PM ET/11 AM CT on CMT
- Sunday, May 8, at 11 AM ET/10 AM CT CMT Music
According to an article from CMT, “The show will feature archival footage and interviews intertwined with memorable performances and moments from the past several decades of [Naomi’s] career.”
The special will last for 30 minutes, and “will recount [Naomi’s] colorful past as a trailblazer for women in country music and the duo’s path to becoming one of the most successful in country music history.”
Some of the artists who will be participating in the special include Carrie Underwood, Loretta Lynn, and Martina McBride, among others. Wynonna will also appear.
The special will also include Naomi’s final interview, which was on the red carpet of the CMT Music Awards on April 11. She and Wynonna reunited for their first televised performance in over 20 years during the Awards. They sang “Love Can Build a Bridge” in front of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
No one knew that would be the last time they’d ever see Naomi sing. You can watch that performance below.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Naomi’s family and friends during this difficult time.