Wynonna Judd Reveals How She’ll ‘Honor’ Late Mom Naomi During Televised Memorial Service
Ashley and her sister, Wynonna Judd, broke the sad news to the world on Instagram writing that they were “shattered.” The very next day, The Judds, the singing group composed of Naomi and Wynonna, a mother and daughter duo, were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Naomi took her own life just one day before she was supposed to accept that incredible honor. Ashley and Wynonna showed up instead in the midst of their grief. During her acceptance speech, Wynonna explained, “My heart’s broken — and I feel so blessed. I mean, it’s a very strange dynamic to be this broken and this blessed.”
When Ashely spoke to Sawyer, she explained that it is important to the family to share that there is help available for anyone who is having suicidal thoughts. For example, people struggling with thoughts of suicide can call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
Naomi had previously shared her mental health struggles and the fact that she struggled with suicidal thoughts. Ashely explained that Naomi’s mental illness lied to her and made her believe things like “you’re not enough. You’re not loved. That you’re not worthy.”
The Judd family knows that they have always lived in the public eye, so they thought it was only appropriate for the memorial to be public as well. Naomi’s memorial service was televised.
During the memorial service, Wynonna spoke about her mother and how she has decided to “honor” her mother. She explained that she has thought a lot about it and decided to keep singing. Watch the video below to hear Wynonna describe how she plans to honor her late mother.
Do you think it’s the right decision for Wynonna to go on tour to honor Naomi? Do you think the advice “give them what they want” is good advice? Do you think Wynonna should give herself time to grieve privately, or do you think keeping busy and having the attitude of “the show must go on” is a positive way to grieve?
