Country Music Industry Mourns Naomi Judd

Judd

The Country music industry is still reeling from the loss of beloved entertainer NAOMI JUDD, who died unexpectedly on SATURDAY (4/30) at the age of 76, the day before the mother-daughter duo she founded, THE JUDDS, was to be inducted into the COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME. That induction ceremony went on as planned last night, with daughter WYNONNA in attendance.

NAOMI’s actress daughter, ASHLEY JUDD, released a TWITTER statement on SATURDAY attributing her mother’s death to “the disease of mental illness.” She added, “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.” NAOMI JUDD has been open about her mental health struggles, even authoring the 2017 book “River Of Time: My Descent Into Depression And How I Emerged With Hope.”

The day prior to the COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME induction, the HALL’s CEO, KYLE YOUNG, said "NAOMI overcame incredible adversity on her way to a significant place in music history. Her triumphant life story overshadows TODAY’s tragic news. Her family has asked that we continue with THE JUDDS official HALL OF FAME induction on SUNDAY. We will do so, with heavy hearts and weighted minds. NAOMI and daughter WYNONNA’s music will endure.”

THE JUDDS notched 25 singles on RCA/CURB between 1983 and 2000, an incredible 14 of which went #1 and six more which went Top 10s. Beginning with their second single, “Mama He’s Crazy” in 1984, they enjoyed a streak of eight consecutive #1s, including “Why Not Me,” “Girls Night Out,” “Love Is Alive,” “Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout The Good Old Days),” “Rockin’ With The Rhythm Of The Rain” and others. THE JUDDS won five GRAMMY Awards as a duo in the category of Best Country Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal,” and NAOMI won one more in the Best Country Song category as a co-writer on “Love Can Build A Bridge.”

“NAOMI and WYNONNA JUDD … have been with our company for 40 years, for their entire career,” said CURB RECORDS Chairman MIKE CURB. “This is an incredible loss to everyone at our company and the entire music industry, where NAOMI made such an incredible impact. Her daughters, WYNONNA and ASHLEY, will always be an amazing part of her legacy. We send our heartfelt condolences to her husband and our friend, LARRY STRICKLAND. We will respect the family's wishes for privacy during this difficult and painful time.”

THE JUDDS had been active lately, performing on the CMT MUSIC AWARDS in APRIL, shortly after announcing a 10-city arena tour, called “The Final Tour,” that was to have kicked off at the end of SEPTEMBER. In a statement that accompanied the tour announcement, NAOMI said she was “chompin’ at the bit” to hit the road and reconnect with fans.” CMT will air a special tribute, "CMT REMEMBERS NAOMI JUDD," TOMORROW (5/3) at 8p (CT), with four encore presentations scheduled. It will include her final red carpet interview from the APRIL awards show, along with commentary from MARTINA McBRIDE, CARRIE UNDERWOOD, LORETTA LYNN, BILLY RAY CYRUS and daughter WYNONNA.

McBRIDE, who was to have toured with them on select dates this fall, wrote on INSTAGRAM, "It is hard to find any words at this moment. So I will just say rest, NAOMI. You brought us joy. Your legacy and music will live forever."

During their performance at STAGECOACH over the weekend, BROTHERS OSBORNE paid tribute to JUDD by performing "Why Not Me." (Watch it here.)

Fellow Country legend JEANNIE SEELY said, “NAOMI brought such a breath of fresh air to our industry with her uptown looks and down-home humor. Her talent was only equaled by her dedication to following her dream and her unbelievable work ethic. She was respected, admired and will be remembered for those attributes. Even as we prepared a place for her in the HALL OF FAME, we know that GOD has prepared a place for her as well.”

In addition to her two daughters, JUDD’s survivors include STRICKLAND, her husband of 32 years, and WYNONNA’s two adult children.

See below for a sampling of the outpouring of shock and sympathy from fellow Country artists and other celebrities.

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

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

I’m just heartbroken over the loss of @TheNaomiJudd. My fellow Kentucky girl, my friend, and an amazing singer. There are no words. Please pray for Wynonna, Ashley, Larry, and grandchildren. Heartbroken. Sending all my love. pic.twitter.com/92FiYQg7bS

— Loretta Lynn (@LorettaLynn) May 1, 2022

I'm so very sorry for my friend @Wynonna. I'm praying her and @AshleyJudd can survive THIS. The biggest hurdle they will ever have. My prayers and thoughts go out to the entire @TheNaomiJudd family! It brings tears to my heart. Rest easy angel!
❤️ Tanya Tucker

📸 @DKupishNash pic.twitter.com/DZO2mOpJbd

— Tanya Tucker (@tanyatucker) 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

I am shocked and saddened along with the rest of our country music community over the passing of Naomi Judd. I'll never forget meeting her for the first time when she was a contestant on a TV game show I was hosting. I asked her to identify herself for the audience... pic.twitter.com/ORKFPSGf8C

— Bill Anderson (@WhisperinBill) 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

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

I loved Naomi Judd. Among her many talents, she was just so much fun, a great storyteller and a wonderful spirit. https://t.co/1ecFMV7HSY

— Andy Cohen (@Andy) April 30, 2022

So sad at the loss of my friend and music legend @TheNaomiJudd. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends. As a fellow Kentuckian my hats off in honor of the legacy of music she shared with the world and the doors she opened for so many others like me. pic.twitter.com/JwGkiLtUA5

— Billy Ray Cyrus (@billyraycyrus) April 30, 2022

pic.twitter.com/OKOxJJyQDS

— Bellamy Brothers (@BellamyBrothers) May 1, 2022

My heart is saddened from the loss of Naomi Judd. I had the pleasure of some great conversations with her over the years. She was always very kind and gracious to me. Such an Icon in country music. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. She will truly be missed. pic.twitter.com/r1I9JvsENV

— Tracy Lawrence (@tracy_lawrence) 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

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 my friend and fellow Kentuckian, Naomi Judd. Naomi was always so special to be with. She accomplished so much and she will be missed and loved forever. My prayers go out to Naomi and her family.❤️🙏🏻❤️ pic.twitter.com/Us57t9bfsj

— Crystal Gayle (@TheCrystalGayle) 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

I’m heartbroken to hear that one of country music’s greatest treasures and dear friend Naomi Judd has passed. She has left behind a musical legacy and her mark in music that will never be erased. My thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and fans at this sad time. pic.twitter.com/UP54Y63pkU

— TG Sheppard (@TGSheppardmusic) May 1, 2022

The Academy is deeply saddened by the heartbreaking news this afternoon of Naomi Judd's passing. With her daughter Wynonna, the Judds won the ACM Award for Top Vocal Duet 7 consecutive years, as well as the ACM Pioneer Award more recently at the Academy of Country Music Honors. pic.twitter.com/w4J0XYoteC

— ACM Awards (@ACMawards) April 30, 2022

We're heartbroken to learn about the passing of the legendary Naomi Judd & honored to have shared many unforgettable moments & performances together. Our hearts go out to her husband Larry, daughters Wynonna & Ashley, & legions of fans around the world during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/xTmYvEG1nj

— CMT (@CMT) April 30, 2022

The USO shares in the grief of the passing of music legend, Naomi Judd. An icon of country music, Naomi spent time giving back to America’s military during her time touring with the USO with her daughters. We extend our sincere condolences to the Judd family. pic.twitter.com/a7CImH4ZcI

— USO (@the_USO) May 1, 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

So sad to hear about Naomi Judd… what a lovely woman. I send my sincere condolences to her family. @thejuddsmusic @TheNaomiJudd @Wynonna pic.twitter.com/TJcnhy4X5R

— Anne Murray (@annemurray1) May 1, 2022

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