Naomi Judd, the country music star and one half of the Grammy Award-winning duo The Judds, has died at the age of 76 after a battle with mental illness.
Her daughter, actress Ashley Judd, announced her mother’s death in a statement on Instagram on Saturday, saying she and her sister Wynonna were “broken” by the news.
“Today we sisters are experiencing a tragedy. We lost our beautiful mother to the disease of mental illness. We are heartbroken,” she wrote.
“We are sailing in deep pain and we know that as we loved her, she was loved by her audience.
“We are in uncharted territory.”
Naomi’s husband, Larry Strickland, who was a backup singer for Elvis Presley, said The Associated Press that his wife had died near Nashville, Tennessee, as he requested privacy for his family at this time.
No further details are known about the 76-year-old’s death, which comes just a day before she was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and a few months before she was to take the stage again later this year. anus. .
The Judds, made up of Naomi and her daughter Wynonna, announced earlier this year that they would be embarking on a 10-date “Final Tour” beginning in September.
The duo was also to be honored at the Hall of Fame on Sunday.
Just two weeks ago, they had reunited for their first television performance in more than two decades to sing their classic 1990s hit “Love Can Build a Bridge” at the CMT Music Awards.
Ashley Judd announces the death of her mother
(Ashley Judd/Instagram)
When news of Naomi’s death broke, tributes began pouring in on social media, with Grammy Award-winning artist Travis Tritt calling the news “heartbreaking.”
“This is heartbreaking news! Naomi Judd was one of the sweetest people I have ever met,” she tweeted.
“I had the honor of working with her on movies and numerous music events. My deepest condolences to her family.”
Maren Morris also paid tribute to the country music star, remembering her last performance before her death.
“I am honored to have witnessed “Love Can Build a Bridge” just a few weeks ago,” the singer wrote.
“I am very sad to learn that Naomi Judd has passed away. May she rest in peace. Sending love and light to Ashley and Wynonna and all who love her,” Rosanna Arquette tweeted.
In 2017, Naomi opened up about her battle with mental illness and how her depression often left her feeling “immobilized.”
“I didn’t get up from the couch for two years,” he told NBC. Today Show.
“I was so depressed I couldn’t move… It’s hard to describe. You dive into this deep, dark hole of depression and you don’t think there’s another minute.”
A native of Kentucky, Naomi started out as a nurse before she and Wynonna began performing together as The Judds in the early 1980s.
They went on to win five Grammy Awards and had 14 number one songs, including the popular country music hits “Mama He’s Crazy” and “Why Not Me.”
After three decades of acting, the mother-daughter group stepped out of the spotlight in 1991 when Naomi was diagnosed with hepatitis.
In 2011, they returned with a farewell tour before reuniting earlier this month at the CMT Music Awards.
Naomi leaves behind her two daughters and husband of 32 years.
If you are experiencing feelings of distress and isolation, or are struggling to cope, The Samaritans offers support; you can speak to someone free of charge by phone, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.orgor visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
If you reside in the US and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Helpline is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you are in another country, you can go to befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.