When news broke on Saturday of Naomi Judd’s death, figures from across the music industry mourned the country music legend, remembering the lives of the Judd family’s mothers.
Judd passed away at the age of 76. The cause of death was not immediately determined, although daughters Winona Judd and Ashley Judd attributed their mother’s death to “mental illness” in a statement.
“Today, we sisters witnessed a tragedy,” the statement said. βWe have lost our beautiful mother to a mental illness. We broke. We are dealing with a deep heartbreak and know that just as we loved her, so did her fans. We are in uncharted territory.”
The announcement came a day before Gods was officially inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame at a medal ceremony in Nashville. Representatives of the Hall of Fame could not be reached for comment on whether the ceremony would be canceled or continued in some way.
Carrie Underwood, who is set to perform at Stagecoach on Saturday night, gave an afternoon tribute saying that “country music has lost a true legend.”
Country Music Lost A True Legend… Sing With Angels Naomi!!! We are all sending a prayer to the Jude family today…
– Carrie Underwood April 30, 2022
Maren Morris also gave a commemorative tribute with Judd’s performance of The Judds song “Love Can Build a Bridge” at the Country Music Television Awards, held earlier in April.
Rest in peace, Naomi Judd. I was honored to see Love Can Build a Bridge just a few weeks ago. π€π
– Maren Morris April 30, 2022
The CMT Music Awards shared a video of Judd performing alongside her daughter, honoring the “many unforgettable moments and performances” she was responsible for at the annual gala.
We are so saddened to learn more about the passing of the legend Naomi Judd and we are honored to be together sharing so many unforgettable moments and performances. Our hearts are with husband Larry, daughters Winona and Ashley and the legions of fans around the world during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/xTmYvEG1nj
– CMT (@cmt) April 30, 2022
Grande Ole Opry star Bill Anderson shared a memory of his first meeting with Judd on a TV game show, saying it “was one of a kind.”
I am shocked and saddened with the rest of the country music community over the passing of Naomi Judd. I will 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 introduce herself to the public… pic.twitter.com/ORKFPSGf8C
– Bill Anderson (@WhisperinBill) April 30, 2022
TV presenter and comedian Lonnie Love rekindled her relationship with Judd and expressed her condolences to the daughters of the country legend.
In 2003, Naomi Judd was a judge on Star Search.. She gave me an A and that changed my life.. Thank you Mrs. Judd. She was a beautiful woman and now the world is less bright without her. Condolences to her family and fans. Especially Winona and Ashley. ππΎππ½ππ»
– Loni Love (LoniLove) April 30, 2022
Actress Rosanna Arquette offered her sympathies to Winona and Ashley.
I am very sad to hear of the passing of Naomi Judd. Rest in peace, send love and light to Ashley, Winona and everyone who loves her.
– βπΌrosanna Arquette (@RoArquette) April 30, 2022
Kristen Chenoweth stated that it was an “honour” to meet Judd years ago: “I never thought she would go.”
I had the honor of meeting Naomi Judd years ago and she was very nice. Sending love and prayers to Wynonna, Ashley, and the entire Judd family during this time. I never thought she would go
– Kristen Chenoweth (@KChenoeth) April 30, 2022
Today’s presenter Hoda Kotb shared with Kathy Lee Gifford, who has been a co-host of the show for 11 years, about their appreciation for Judd’s appearance on the talk show.
Very sad about this news. Tweet embed I cherish the moments we shared with her on our show. Unique β€οΈβ€οΈRIP Naomi Judd, of Grammy-winning duo The Judds, dies at 76 | AP . News https://t.co/CcRCpVPffV
– Hoda Kotb (@hodakotb) April 30, 2022
The members of the country and gospel quartet Oak Ridge Boys shared that their members were “grieved beyond saying” by the sudden loss.
Sweet Jesus…Naomi Judd came home… The day before Judgment Day Tweet embed Extrapolation…this is abstract news…we feel sad behind the words…
– Oak Ridge Boys (@oakridgeboys) April 30, 2022
See more of Naomi Judd’s greetings below:
I loved Naomi Judd. Among her many talents, she was very interesting, a wonderful storyteller and a wonderful soul. https://t.co/1ecFMV7HSY
Andy Cohen April 30, 2022
This is heartbreaking news! Naomi Judd was one of the sweetest people I’ve ever known. I had the privilege of working with her in films and in many musical events. Sincere condolences to her family. https://t.co/ONRL9Q29om
– Travis Treat (@travistreet) April 30, 2022
I’m so sad about Naomi Judd. She was so cute, warm and fun but the thing I remember best is how proud she was of her daughters, she talked about them all the time. My heart breaks for her family. https://t.co/asDaIM3u3l
– Kristen Johnston (@thekjohnston) April 30, 2022
RIP Naomi Judd. My mom taught me apparently every one of your songs. She sings them a lot and loudly. I left country music better than I found it.
– Bobby Bones (@mrBobbyBones) April 30, 2022
Naomi Judd was a beautiful woman and I am sorry to hear of her passing. May you find peace in the end. My sincere condolences to her daughters. May God comfort them in this hour of torment.
– Marianne Williamson (@marwilliamson) April 30, 2022
Deep silence only my soul can hear
Now he says the past is what I fear
The future is not what it used to be
Only today is all he promised meFlowing on the river of time
I love you, Naomi Judd. January 11, 1946 – April 30, 2022 pic.twitter.com/aaR3IPAkrt
– Hunter Kelly (@unterkelly) April 30, 2022
deepest sympathy Tweet embed And Tweet embed. Relax, Naomi Judd.
– AmandaShires (@amandashires) April 30, 2022
My heart sinks due to the loss of Naomi Judd today at the age of 76. She was such a talented and unique lady, which made The Judds an icon in every sense of the word. This photo was taken just a few weeks ago pic.twitter.com/mRYJHUjTc8
– Cody Alan (@CodyAlan) April 30, 2022
Naomi Judd of Grammy-winning duo The Judds and mother of Wynonna and Ashley Judd has died at the age of 76, and they were due to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/Jyls4xkrXZ
Eric Alper π§ (ThatEricAlper) April 30, 2022
Naomi Judd π So sad to hear this news. She thinks of all her family and friends. Hard day for country music…
– Cole Swindell April 30, 2022
I am so saddened to hear the news about Naomi Judd. My thoughts and prayers go out to Winona, Ashley Judd, and all of us friends and fans that I love and respect so much. Irreplaceable – the country music legend will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/PUI79HNqJX
– Ty Herndon (@TyHerndoncom) April 30, 2022
Rest In Power Naomi Judd
– MickeyGuyton (@MickeyGuyton) April 30, 2022