By Willow Skylor HWWS Program Director
Country Music Legend, Naomi Judd, passed away at the age of 76. She performed alongside her daughter, Wynona, for fourteen years as The Judds. Naomi stepped down in 1991 from performing after being diagnosed with Hepatitis C, on occasion being reunited with her daughter to appear on talk shows, tours, award shows, festivals, reality shows, and various celebrations. The Sisters, Wynona (the other half of the award-winning duo The Judds) and award-winning actress Ashley made the announcement of their mother’s passing on social media, stating “She died of mental illness”.
I was raised on country music, from the greats of Johny Cash, Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks and Reba McEntyre. My love of country music continues to this day with dancing to Shania Twain in various videos put up on my YouTube and social media pages and singing to modern country chart toppers like Miranda Lambert and Lady A. I will not hesitate to turn up the tunes from The Judds when the radio station digs deep into their music log to play the classics of the 80’s and 90’s.
I remember going to see Wynona Judd in concert in the early 90’s, I recall my sister made a big sign that said “Happy Birthday Wynona” in glow and dark multi colored puff paint. Remembering how Wynona paid tribute to her mom was just as emotional then, even to the 9- or 10-year-old me at the time who knew every word to “Love Can Build a Bridge”. The Judds’ split was very heart breaking to the fans, sadly it was the start of many mental health problems between the two women. I’m thankful to have had that concert experience as a kid.
The Judds won serval awards for their music, including 5 Grammy Awards for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. They were recently inducted into The Country Music Hall of Fame, and was about to set out for a final farewell tour later this year. My condolences go out to the family, friends, and many fans of Naomi Judd, may she rest peacefully amongst the cosmos.
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