Tributes for country music legend Naomi Judd have poured in. The singer, one half of the Grammy-winning country duo the Judds with daughter Wynonna, died Saturday at the age of 76, her two daughters, including the actress Ashley Judd, shared.
“We are shattered,” Ashley and Wynonna said in a statement, attributing their mother’s death to the “disease of mental illness.” The statement continued, “We are navigating profound grief and know that as we loved her, she was loved by her public. We are in unknown territory.”
Judd’s death comes one day before the Judds were set to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. CEO Kyle Young confirmed the ceremony would proceed as planned on Sunday at the request of the Judd family. “We will do so, with heavy hearts,” Young said, adding that the organization was “shocked and saddened” by Judd’s death.
mpi04/MediaPunch /IPX Carrie Underwood, Billy Ray Cyrus, Mickey Guyton, and more remember ‘true legend’ Naomi Judd
Ahead of the ceremony, Carrie Underwood, Billy Ray Cyrus, Mickey Guyton, and more stars have penned tributes to Judd. Underwood called the country star a “true legend,” while Cyrus remembered her legacy and “the doors she opened for so many others like me.”
Country music lost a true legend…sing with the angels, Naomi!!! We’re all sending up prayers for the Judd family today…
— Carrie Underwood (@carrieunderwood) April 30, 2022
So sad at the loss of my friend and music legend @TheNaomiJudd. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends. As a fellow Kentuckian my hats off in honor of the legacy of music she shared with the world and the doors she opened for so many others like me. pic.twitter.com/JwGkiLtUA5
— Billy Ray Cyrus (@billyraycyrus) April 30, 2022
Rest in power Naomi Judd
— Mickey Guyton (@MickeyGuyton) April 30, 2022
Maren Morris recalled Judd’s performance of “Love Can Build a Bridge” with Wynonna at the Country Music Television Music Awards in April.
Rest In Peace, Naomi Judd. Honored to have witnessed “Love Can Build a Bridge” just a few short weeks ago. ????????
— MAREN MORRIS (@MarenMorris) April 30, 2022
Tanya Tucker offered prayers to the family, adding, “Rest easy angel!”
Bill Anderson shared a memory of meeting Judd for the first time on a TV game show, adding that he’ll “never forget” it.
I am shocked and saddened along with the rest of our country music community over the passing of Naomi Judd. I’ll never forget meeting her for the first time when she was a contestant on a TV game show I was hosting. I asked her to identify herself for the audience… pic.twitter.com/ORKFPSGf8C
— Bill Anderson (@WhisperinBill) April 30, 2022
Kristin Chenoweth said she “never thought” Judd would “go.”
I had the honor of meeting Naomi Judd years ago and she was so incredibly kind. Sending love and prayers to Wynonna, Ashley, and the whole Judd family during this time. I never thought she’d go ????
— Kristin Chenoweth (@KChenoweth) April 30, 2022
Rosanna Arquette offered “love and light” to the Judd family.
I’m very sad to hear that Naomi Judd has passed away. Rest In Peace .Sending love and light to Ashley and Wynonna and all who love her.
— ✌????rosanna arquette (@RoArquette) April 30, 2022
Hoda Kotb called Judd “one of a kind.”
So saddened by this news. @kathielgifford and i treasured the moments we shared with her on our show. One of a kind ❤️❤️RIP Naomi Judd, of Grammy-winning duo The Judds, dies at 76 | AP News https://t.co/CcRCpVPffV
— Hoda Kotb (@hodakotb) April 30, 2022
Read more homages from country stars and celebrities below.
Back in 2003 Naomi Judd was a judge on Star search.. she gave me a perfect score and that changed my life.. Thank you Ms. Judd. She was a lovely woman and now the world is a little less bright without her. Condolences to her family and fans. Especially Wynonna and Ashley. ????????????????????????
— Loni Love (@LoniLove) April 30, 2022
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. pic.twitter.com/92FiYQg7bS
— Loretta Lynn (@LorettaLynn) May 1, 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. https://t.co/ONRL9Q29om
— 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. https://t.co/asDaIM3u3l
— kristen johnston (@thekjohnston) April 30, 2022
My heart is sinking over the loss today of Naomi Judd at 76. She was a talented lady, and one of a kind, making The Judds iconic in every sense of the word. This pic was taken just a few weeks ago???? pic.twitter.com/mRYJHUjTc8
— Cody Alan (@CodyAlan) 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. pic.twitter.com/PUI79HNqJX
— Ty Herndon (@TyHerndoncom) April 30, 2022
I am deeply saddened by the loss of my friend and fellow Kentuckian, Naomi Judd. Naomi was always so special to be with. She accomplished so much and she will be missed and loved forever. My prayers go out to Naomi and her family.❤️????????❤️ pic.twitter.com/Us57t9bfsj
— Crystal Gayle (@TheCrystalGayle) April 30, 2022
I am deeply saddened by the loss of Naomi Judd. My heart goes out to her family during this extremely difficult time. Country music will never be the same. Love one another. ❤️
— Trisha Yearwood (@trishayearwood) April 30, 2022
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