Tributes continue to pour in following the shocking announcement of the sudden death of country music royalty Naomi Judd, who passed away on Saturday at age 76. Famously known as one-half of the Grammy-winning mother-daughter duo, The Judds, Naomi performed alongside daughter Wynonna until 1991 after receiving a Hepatitis C diagnosis. The family is well known in the entertainment industry, with daughter Ashley being an accomplished actress in her own right. Despite the Judds dominating the country music scene in the 1980s and 1990s, winning numerous awards and selling more than 20 million albums, the family’s bond has always been strong and goes deeper than fame and fortune.Daughters Wynonna and Ashley broke the news Saturday, expressing their profound sadness of losing their beloved mother to the disease of mental illness. Among those offering condolences is Fox, who has developed an anthology drama series, Icon, profiling some of the biggest names in music. Naomi and Wynonna Judd, who served as executive producers for the freshman season, are the subjects of the first installment.
Spotlight Raised on the Drama Behind the Glamour of The Judds
Reportedly, Naomi Judd was quite involved in the Icon project, providing input and sharing experiences — the good, bad and the ugly. All three Judd women have been very open about their mental health struggles. Multiple scripts have already been written, but a pickup decision is not expected until next month once broadcast networks present their fall lineups to advertisers. It is not clear if anything will change in light of Judd’s passing, but there is the possibility of the project moving forward. Fox released a statement praising the late singer and offered condolences to the family, friends and fans.
Wynonna and Ashley Judd attended last night's Country Music Hall of Fame Medallion ceremony in what was described as emotionally charged. Reportedly, a tearful Ashley apologized for her mother “not being able to hang on until today.” Heartbroken, she and her sister held on to each other as Wynonna spoke on the family gathering to say goodbye to their matriarch and the two recited the 23rd Psalm together.
Sadly, Naomi Judd died just one day before the duo was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and less than three weeks after the CMT Awards, where they gave their first televised performance in 20 years. They were also preparing to kick off a tour in the fall titled The Final Tour with Martina McBride. Ironically, the CMT Awards show would be the place of their final performance together.