UNITED STATES

Life and Legacy

Naomi Judd was a Grammy Award–winning singer, songwriter, and actress who, alongside her daughter Wynonna, formed the legendary country music duo The Judds. Together, they became one of the most successful acts in country music history, with hits like Love Can Build a Bridge, Mama He’s Crazy, and Why Not Me.

Their unique mother-daughter harmony and heartfelt lyrics earned them five Grammy Awards, numerous Academy of Country Music awards, and a place in the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Beyond music, Naomi was admired for her resilience. She became an outspoken advocate for mental health after publicly sharing her decades-long battle with depression in her memoir River of Time. Her courage in revealing her struggles gave countless others permission to talk about their own pain.

Impact of Her Death
Naomi’s death shocked fans worldwide, especially as it came just one day before The Judds’ induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Her daughters, Wynonna and Ashley Judd, bravely spoke about her struggles, helping to shine a light on the reality of severe mental illness.

Her passing sparked global conversations about:
The hidden pain behind public success
The importance of compassionate mental health care
The need to remove stigma around depression and suicide