Celebrity Tributes to Naomi Judd

By J. Kim Murphy,  Variety | May 9th, 2022

People from across the music industry voiced their mourning of the country music legend

Naomi Judd photo by Imagecollect Dreamstime. In article on Tributes to Naomi Judd

When news broke on Saturday that Naomi Judd had died, figures from across the music industry voiced their mourning of the country music legend, remembering the life of the Judd family matriarch. On social media and in other ways, they offered tributes to Naomi Judd, to her life and legacy.

Judd died at the age of 76. No cause of death was immediately given, although in a statement daughters Wynonna Judd and Ashley Judd attributed their mother’s death to “the disease of mental illness.”

Later, news sources announced that the star, who had struggled with depression for year, died by suicide. Judd not only struggled with mental illness, she was an outspoken mental health advocate.

“Today we sisters experienced a tragedy,” the statement said. “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.”

The announcement came the day before the Judds were set to be formally inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame at a medallion ceremony in Nashville.

Tributes to Naomi Judd

Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood, who is set to perform at the Stagecoach Festival on Saturday evening, offered a tribute in the afternoon, saying that “country music lost a true legend.”

Maren Morris also offered a tribute, recalling Judd’s performance of The Judds’ “Love Can Build a Bridge” at the Country Music Television Music Awards, which occurred earlier in April.

The CMT Music Awards shared a video of Judd performing alongside her daughter, honoring the “many unforgettable moments and performances” she was responsible for at the annual ceremony.

Tanya Tucker

Tanya Tucker tweeted prayers for the family, and issued a separate statement as well.

“Say it isn’t so,” Tucker wrote in a separate statement. “Cannot believe my girlfriend and longtime buddy Naomi is gone. We’ve known each other for years and she always treated me with class, grace and pure kindness. I’m going to miss her so much.”

David and Howard Bellamy

David and Howard Bellamy wrote: “Our prayers go out to Naomi’s husband, daughters, family, friends, and fans. We, like everyone who knew her, are devastated by the news of her passing. We will always hold near and dear the memories of touring with The Judds and visiting with Naomi backstage at so many events through the years. May you Rest In Peace, Naomi.”

Gene Watson

Gene Watson wrote: “I remember how kind and nice Naomi was when we worked together. She was a good person with a generous spirit toward everyone she met. I’m keeping her family in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.”

From Boomer: Take mental illness and suicide out of the silos of silence

Meghan Linsey

Meghan Linsey wrote: “I really don’t have the words right now. Naomi meant so much to me. She took me under her wing and taught me so much. She will forever be my Country Fairy Godmother. I am so grateful for her friendship.”

In a video on Twitter, CMT shared:

Loni Love

Television host and comedian Loni Love recalled her own relationship with Judd and expressed her condolences to the country legend’s daughters.

Rosanna Arquette

Actress Rosanna Arquette offered her own sympathies to Wynonna and Ashley.

Kristen Chenoweth stated it was “an honor” to meet Judd years ago: “I never thought she’d go.”

“Today” anchor Hoda Kotb shared that she and Kathie Lee Gifford, her former co-host of 11 years, treasured Judd’s appearances on the talk show.

The country and gospel quartet Oak Ridge Boys shared that their members were “saddened beyond words” by the sudden loss.

More tributes to Naomi Judd

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.

— Loretta Lynn (@LorettaLynn) May 1, 2022

I loved Naomi Judd. Among her many talents, she was just so much fun, a great storyteller and a wonderful spirit.

— Andy Cohen (@Andy) April 30, 2022

This is heartbreaking news! Naomi Judd was one of the sweetest people I’ve ever known. I had the honor of working with her in movies and numerous musical events. My deepest heartfelt condolences go out to her family.

— Travis Tritt (@Travistritt) April 30, 2022

I’m so sad about Naomi Judd. She was so lovely & warm & fun but the thing I remember best was how proud she was of her daughters, she talked about them the whole time. My heart breaks for her family.

— kristen johnston (@thekjohnston) April 30, 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

Naomi Judd was a lovely woman and I’m very sorry to hear about her passing. May she find peace at last. My deepest condolences to her daughters. May God bring them comfort in this hour of their agony.

— Marianne Williamson (@marwilliamson) April 30, 2022

Silence so deep only my soul can hear
Says now the past is what I fear
The future isn’t what it used to be
Only today is all that’s promised me

Flow on River of Time

I love you, Naomi Judd. January 11, 1946 – April 30, 2022

Flow on River of Time

I love you, Naomi Judd. January 11, 1946 – April 30, 2022

— Hunter Kelly (@hunterkelly) April 30, 2022

Deepest sympathies @AshleyJudd and @Wynonna. Rest easy, Naomi Judd.

— AmandaShires (@amandashires) April 30, 2022

Cody Alan tribute to Naomi Judd, Twitter

— Cody Alan (@CodyAlan) 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 am absolutely heartsick to hear the news about Naomi Judd. My heart and my prayers go out to Wynonna, Ashley Judd, and all of us friends and fans who loved and respected her so much. She is irreplaceable — a country music legend will never be forgotten.

— Ty Herndon (@TyHerndoncom) April 30, 2022

Rest in power Naomi Judd

— Mickey Guyton (@MickeyGuyton) April 30, 2022

© 2022 Variety Media, LLC, a subsidiary of Penske Business Media; Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC

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