Iconic country star Naomi Judd, who was part of the famous mother-daughter duo The Judds, died on Saturday after suffering from mental illness. She was 76.
Naomi’s daughter Ashley Judd shared the heartbreaking news in a statement via her Instagram page. Ashley, 54, and her sister Wynonna Judd also issued the same message to the Associated Press to announce their mother’s death.
“Today we sisters experienced a tragedy. We lost our beautiful mother to the disease of mental illness,” the message read.
“We are shattered. We are navigating profound grief and know that as we loved her, she was loved by her public,” the statement continued. “We are in unknown territory.”
Naomi’s husband, Larry Strickland also gave a statement to PEOPLE following her death, saying, “Naomi Judd’s family request privacy during this heartbreaking time. No additional information will be released at this time.”
Tributes to the 76-year-old singer from fellow celebrities and country stars poured in across social media following the announcement.
“Country music lost a true legend…sing with the angels, Naomi!!! We’re all sending up prayers for the Judd family today,” Carrie Underwood wrote on Twitter.
Travis Tritt tweeted, “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.”
Comedian and TV host Loni Love also paid a sweet tribute to Naomi as she reflected on her time on Star Search in 2003, when Naomi served as a judge.
“She gave me a perfect score and that changed my life..,” Love wrote. “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.”
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
Fellow country singer John Rich also expressed his sadness via Twitter, saying, “So very sad to hear of #NaomiJudd passing today.”
“I had the great honor of knowing her, and she was no doubt one of the most iconic entertainers ever to make country music,” he added of Naomi. “Thinking of my good friend @Wynonna right now, this is a very tough day for her and the family. #TheJudds.”
So very sad to hear of #NaomiJudd passing today. I had the great honor of knowing her, and she was no doubt one of the most iconic entertainers ever to make country music. Thinking of my good friend @Wynonna right now, this is a very tough day for her and the family. #TheJudds
— John Rich (@johnrich) April 30, 2022
Maren Morris reposted the statement from Ashley via her Instagram Story, adding, “What a loss. Rest In Peace, Naomi.”
Kelsea Ballerini also paid a tribute via her Instagram Story, posting a snapshot of “Love Can Build a Bridge,” a classic song from The Judds, with a broken heart emoji.
Country-pop star Crystal Gayle wrote, “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.”
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
Kristin Chenoweth said she “had the honor of meeting Naomi Judd years ago.”
“And she was so incredibly kind,” the actress tweeted. “Sending love and prayers to Wynonna, Ashley, and the whole Judd family during this time. I never thought she’d 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
The Oak Ridge Boys also paid tribute, writing, “Oh Sweet Jesus… Naomi Judd has gone home … the day before the Judds @countrymusichof induction … This is divesting news… We are saddened beyond words…”
Oh Sweet Jesus… Naomi Judd has gone home … the day before the Judds @countrymusichof induction … This is divesting news… We are saddened beyond words…
— The Oak Ridge Boys (@oakridgeboys) April 30, 2022
[via]
