Naomi Judd, a singer with the superstar country music duo the Judds along with her daughter, Wynonna, died April 30, 2022, by suicide at the age of 76.
Judd brought up her daughters, Wynonna and future actress Ashley Judd, as a single mother after her divorce from their father. She and Wynonna began singing together professionally in the early 1980s, and with her dogged promotion efforts, they had a breakthrough in 1983. Their debut EP, "Wynonna & Naomi," launched the following year, and it was an instant hit, with the single "Mama He's Crazy" climbing to the top of the country charts.
It was the first of eight consecutive No. 1 hits for the Judds, including "Girls' Night Out," "Grandpa (Tell Me 'Bout the Good Old Days)," and "Cry Myself to Sleep." They had 14 total No. 1 hits between 1984 and 1989, in addition to several other top ten singles. The Judds released their final album in 1990.
Judd was diagnosed with hepatitis C in 1991, which prompted the Judds' breakup. While Wynonna embarked on a solo career, Naomi worked to raise awareness of hepatitis C and became a spokesperson for the American Liver Foundation. She acted in movies including "Holiday Romance" and "The Killing Time."
Judd also competed in the reality shows "Can You Duet" and "My Kitchen Rules," as well as serving as a judge on "Star Search" from 2003 to 2004. She hosted the talk show "Naomi's New Morning" on the Hallmark Channel and wrote several self-help books.
The Judds reunited several times over the years since their final album, most recently performing at the Country Music Awards on April 11. They had planned a 10-show tour for later in 2022. The Judds were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2022, with the induction ceremony coming the day after Judd's death.
By Linnea Crowther
(Image: Cindy Ord/Getty Images)
Absolutely loved the songs Girls Night Out and Cry Myself to Sleep. I grew up listening to her beautiful music. This brings back so many memories and emotions. I met her once and thought she was so kind and sweet for an icon of country music. She will be greatly missed.
F Peterson
January 06, 2026
I will miss her beautiful music and face. I listen to her songs all the time whenever I feel down. Loved the songs Give a Little Love and Have Mercy. I really miss her, she was so relatable and sweet. I send my heartfelt condolences to her family and friends. I´m keeping them in my thoughts and prayers. Fly high with the angels and the Lord, rest easy Naomi.
Janette O´Brien
January 06, 2026
Just devastated to hear how she passed. I loved all her songs since Mama He´s Crazy. They were so charismatic and magnetic and still so humble. I feel like I´ve lost a close friend. Sending my deepest sympathies to her family and friends. Rip sweet angel, you are home with God by your side.
Yvonne Orton
January 06, 2026
Makes me wonder if they would have become the top group of all time if she hadn´t gotten ill. I am so sorry for your tragic loss. I sincerely wish I could have told her how much her music meant to me. She helped me get through a tough breakup. I listened to her songs everyday. God I miss her so much. I send my condolences to her family and friends. Rip Naomi.
Freddy Von Ostrand
January 06, 2026
Thank you blessing us thru the years with all your music, songs that are still sang and remembered today. Mama he’s Crazy one of my favorites! May you RIP
Debra Cunningham
August 02, 2025 | Hollister, MO
Peace to you in Heaven
Beautiful soul..prayers said for your peace in Heaven
Suzy Meredith
June 15, 2025 | Ottawa, ON
Beautiful candle burning for your peace
Very brave,talented,good hearted lady. Prayers said for your peace in Heaven
Suzy Meredith
June 13, 2025 | Ottawa, ON
My deepest sympathy for the loss of a legend. She struggled with her depression for so long, she couldn't take the pain no longer. Will always remember her beauty, strength and talent. They changed the face of country for all times and made way for women. Rest now beautiful lady, we love you.
May 12, 2025
Naomi will always be loved and missed. Watched your program on Lifetime the last two nights. I know that today, Mother's Day was so very hard for you. I hope that knowing you will see her again helps you. Your are all in my thoughts and prayers, always.
Jan Sheely
May 11, 2025 | Columbia, SC
