Ashley Judd opens up about death of mother Naomi Judd
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By Natalie Dreier, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
Fans of the country mother-daughter duo The Judds were shocked when they learned that Naomi Judd had died on April 30. Now her daughter Ashley Judd has opened up about her mother’s death.
Ashley Judd, speaking to Diane Sawyer, said that her mother died at the age of 75 from a self-inflicted gunshot.
Wynonna Judd, along with her sister Ashley, announced their mother’s death, saying she died “of the disease of mental illness,” The Associated Press reported. They had asked for privacy at the time.
The actress said the family wanted to control what information was released before an autopsy came out.
“She used a weapon ... mother used a firearm,” Ashley Judd told Sawyer. “So that’s the piece of information we’re very uncomfortable sharing.”
Ashley Judd was selected by her family to be the one to speak about her mother’s battles with mental illness, and to help fans who may find themselves in a similar situation.
“When you’re talking about mental illness, it’s very important and to be clear and to make the distinction between our loved one and the disease. It’s very real.” Ashley Judd told Sawyer. “It lies. It’s savage.”
The timing of Naomi Judd’s death was shocking, coming days before The Judds were to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame on May 2, the AP reported.
“Our mother couldn’t hang on until she was inducted into the Hall of Fame by her peers,” Ashley Judd told Sawyer. “That is the level of catastrophe of what was going on inside of her because the barrier between the regard in which they held her couldn’t penetrate into her heart, and the lie the disease told her was so convincing ... that you are not enough, that you’re not loved, that you’re not worthy. And her brain hurt, it physically hurt, and I’m tasked with an exceedingly difficult task in disclosing the manner of the way my mother chose not to continue to live,” Ashley Judd told Sawyer.
The Country Music Hall of Fame released a statement about Naomi Judd shortly after her death, saying, “Naomi overcame incredible adversity on her way to a significant place in music history. Her triumphant life story overshadows today’s tragic news,” Hall of Fame CEO Kyle Young said in a statement, according to the AP. “Her family has asked that we continue with The Judds’ official Hall of Fame induction on Sunday. We will do so, with heavy hearts and weighted minds. Naomi and daughter Wynonna’s music will endure.”
Prior to her death, Naomi Judd joined her daughter Wynonna to perform “Love Can Build a Bridge” during the CMT Music Awards in March, the AP reported.
Note: If you or someone you know is thinking of harming themselves, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free support at 1-800-273-8255. Beginning July 16, 2022, U.S. residents can also be connected to the Lifeline by dialing 988. For more about risk factors and warning signs, visit the organization’s official website.
Naomi Judd FILE - In this June 10, 2010 file photo,country singer Naomi Judd performs during the opening of the CMA Music Festival at the Riverfront stage in Nashville, Tenn. Judd is hosting a limited-run talk show on SiriusXM called "Think Twice." Her first guest will be Ashley Judd, June 8. (AP Photo/Wade Payne, file) (Wade Payne/AP)
Naomi Judd The Judd's, Naomi Judd, right, and Wynonna Judd speak at a news conference to announce their tour during the CMA Music Festival Thursday, June 10, 2010 at the Riverfront stage in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne) (Wade Payne/AP)
Naomi Judd FILE - Ashley Judd, right, and her mother, Naomi Judd, arrive at the LA premiere of "Olympus Has Fallen," at the ArcLight Theatre, Monday, March 18, 2013, in Los Angeles. Naomi Judd, the Kentucky-born matriarch of the Grammy-winning duo The Judds and mother of Wynonna and Ashley Judd, has died, her family announced Saturday, April 30, 2022. She was 76. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File) (Jordan Strauss/Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)
Naomi Judd FILE - Naomi Judd performs at the CMA Music Festival in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, June 13, 2009. Judd, the Kentucky-born matriarch of the Grammy-winning duo The Judds and mother of Wynonna and Ashley Judd, has died, her family announced Saturday, April 30, 2022. She was 76. (AP Photo/Josh Anderson, File) (Josh Anderson/AP)
Naomi Judd at the 46th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 3, 2011. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson) (Julie Jacobson/AP)
Naomi Judd Country music singer Naomi Judd speaks at a garden party in honor of Maya Angelou at Angelou's home Thursday, May 20, 2010 in Winston-Salem, N.C. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond) (Nell Redmond/AP)
Naomi Judd Artist Naomi Judd performs at "All In For The Gambler: Kenny Rogers' Farewell Concert Celebration" at Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017 in Nashville, Tenn. (Photo by Laura Roberts/Invision/AP) (Laura Roberts/Laura Roberts/Invision/AP)
Naomi Judd Singer Naomi Judd, left, and singer Wynonna Judd of the duo The Judds perform at the Stagecoach Music Festival in Indio, Calif. on Saturday, May 3, 2008. This is the first time The Judds have performed together in over 7 years. (AP Photo/Dan Steinberg) (Dan Steinberg/AP)
Naomi Judd From left, Reba McEntire, Martina McBride, Carrie Underwood, Naomi Judd and Wynonna Judd are seen onstage at the Girls Night Out: Superstar Women of Country in Las Vegas on Monday, April 4, 2011. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson) (Julie Jacobson/AP)
Naomi Judd From left, artists Wynonna Judd and Naomi Judd backstage at "All In For The Gambler: Kenny Rogers' Farewell Concert Celebration" at Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017 in Nashville, Tenn. (Photo by Laura Roberts/Invision/AP) (Laura Roberts/Laura Roberts/Invision/AP)
Naomi Judd Naomi Judd arrives at the LA premiere of "Olympus Has Fallen" at the ArcLight Theatre on Monday, March 18, 2013 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP) (Jordan Strauss/Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)
Naomi Judd Naomi Judd, left, and Wynonna Judd, of The Judds, perform at the Girls' Night Out: Superstar Women of Country in Las Vegas on Monday, April 4, 2011. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson) (Julie Jacobson/AP)
Naomi Judd From left, artists Wynonna Judd and Naomi Judd on the red carpet of "All In For The Gambler: Kenny Rogers' Farewell Concert Celebration" at Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017 in Nashville, Tenn. (Photo by Laura Roberts/Invision/AP) (Laura Roberts/Laura Roberts/Invision/AP)
Naomi Judd FILE - Wynonna Judd, left, and her mother, Naomi Judd, of The Judds, perform during the halftime show at Super Bowl XXVIII in Atlanta on Jan. 30, 1994. Naomi Judd, the Kentucky-born matriarch of the Grammy-winning duo The Judds and mother of Wynonna and Ashley Judd, has died, her family announced Saturday, April 30, 2022. She was 76. (AP Photo/Eric Draper, File) (Eric Draper/AP)
Naomi Judd Recording artist Naomi Judd arrives at the 3rd Annual American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013 in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Paul A. Hebert/Invision/AP) (Paul A. Hebert/Paul A. Hebert/Invision/AP)
Naomi Judd In this May 3, 1994, photo, Naomi Judd pinches the cheeks of Luke Perry after asking him about the title of his new movie, "8 Seconds," during the 29th Academy of Country Music Awards in Universal City, Calif. Perry, who gained instant heartthrob status as wealthy rebel Dylan McKay on "Beverly Hills, 90210," died Monday, March 4, 2019, after suffering a massive stroke, his publicist said. He was 52. (AP Photo/Mark Terrill) (Mark Terrill/AP)
Naomi Judd Rossi Morreale and Naomi Judd on stage during the CMT Music Awards Monday, April 14, 2008, in Nashville, Tenn.. (AP Photo/Jeff Christensen) (Jeff Christensen/AP)
Naomi Judd Country music singers Martina McBride, left, and Naomi Judd sing "Happy Birthday" at a garden party in honor of Maya Angelou at Angelou's home Thursday, May 20, 2010 in Winston-Salem, N.C. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond) (Nell Redmond/ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Naomi Judd Wynonna Judd, left, and her mother, Naomi, perform during the Country Music Association awards show in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, Oct. 9, 1989. The Judds took home the award for duo of the year. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) (MARK HUMPHREY/ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Naomi Judd Country music mother-daughter duo the Judds hold their Country Music Awards in Nashville, Tenn., Oct. 1, 1991. Daughter Wynona is at left, and mom Naomi smiles at right. (AP Photo) (Anonymous/ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Photos: Ashley Judd through the years Here are some memorable photos of actress Ashley Judd through the years. (Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)
Photos: Ashley Judd through the years 1998: Actress and alumni Ashley Judd cheers for the Kentucky Wildcats during the Jimmy V Classic against the Duke Blue Devils at the Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Dec. 22, 1998. Duke defeated Kentucky 71-60. (Ezra O. Shaw/Allsport via Getty Images)
Photos: Ashley Judd through the years 1999: Driver Dario Franchitti of Great Britain, who drives a Honda Reynard 99I for Team Kool Green, stands with actress Ashley Judd during the Medic Drug Grand Prix of Cleveland presented by Firstar, part of the FedEx Championship Series at the Burke Lakefront Airport in Cleveland, Ohio, on June 28, 1999. (Robert Laberge/Allsport via Getty Images)
Photos: Ashley Judd through the years 2001: Dario Franchitti and film actress Ashley Judd open the Runway Madness CARA Charity event at the Marlboro 500, round 21 of the CART (Championship Auto Racing Teams) FedEx Championship Series at the California Speedway in Fontana, California, on Nov. 2, 2001. (Adam Pretty/ALLSPORT via Getty Images)
Photos: Ashley Judd through the years 2002: Ashley, Naomi and Wynonna Judd at the premiere and after-party for "Lilo & Stitch" at the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles, California, on Sunday, June 16, 2002. (Kevin Winter/ImageDirect via Getty Images)
Photos: Ashley Judd through the years 2003: Actress Ashley Judd attends a press conference for the YouthAIDS annual Benefit Gala 2003 at Capitale on October 27, 2003, in New York City. (Evan Agostini/Getty Images for YouthAIDS)
Photos: Ashley Judd through the years 2004: Actress Ashley Judd arrives at the 57th International Cannes Film Festival closing ceremony dinner, hosted by MGM, at the Palais de festival during the 57th Cannes Film Festival on May 22, 2004, in Cannes, France. (Mark Mainz/Getty Images)
Photos: Ashley Judd through the years 2005: Singer Naomi Judd (left) poses with her daughters actress Ashley Judd and singer Wynonna Judd on the red carpet during the annual YouthAIDS Benefit Gala September 14, 2005, in Washington, D.C. (Chris Greenberg/Getty Images)
Photos: Ashley Judd through the years 2006: Actress Ashley Judd attends the Breast Cancer Research Foundation's Very Hot Pink Party at the Waldorf Astoria on April 10, 2006, in New York City. (Peter Kramer/Getty Images)
Photos: Ashley Judd through the years 2007: Actress Ashley Judd and actor Samuel L. Jackson onstage during the 2007 ESPY Awards at the Kodak Theatre on July 11, 2007, in Hollywood, California. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Photos: Ashley Judd through the years 2008: Ashley Judd attends the 2008 YouthAIDS Gala at the Ritz-Carlton on October 3, 2008, in McLean, Virginia. (Abby Brack/Getty Images)
Photos: Ashley Judd through the years 2009: Actor Morgan Freeman and actress Ashley Judd arrive at the USA Today's fourth annual Hollywood Hero Award Gala honoring Ashley Judd on November 10, 2009, in Beverly Hills, California. (Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)
Photos: Ashley Judd through the years 2010: Ashley Judd arrives at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner on May 1, 2010, in Washington, D.C. (Brendan Hoffman/Getty Images)
Photos: Ashley Judd through the years 2011: Actress Ashley Judd promotes her new book "All Things Bitter and Sweet: A Memoir" at Barnes & Noble, Fifth Avenue on April 6, 2011, in New York City. (Mike Coppola/Getty Images)
Photos: Ashley Judd through the years 2012: Three-time winner Dario Franchitti of Scotland, driver of the #50 Target Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, poses with wife Ashley Judd and their dogs on the yard of bricks during the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race Trophy Presentation at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 28, 2012, in Indianapolis. (Nick Laham/Getty Images)
Photos: Ashley Judd through the years 2013: Recording artist Naomi Judd (left) and actress Ashley Judd attend the Premiere of FilmDistrict's "Olympus Has Fallen" at the ArcLight Cinemas Cinerama Dome on March 18, 2013, in Hollywood, California. (Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
Photos: Ashley Judd through the years 2014: Actress Ashley Judd arrives at the premiere of Summit Entertainment's "Divergent" at the Regency Bruin Theatre on March 18, 2014, in Los Angeles. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Photos: Ashley Judd through the years 2015: Actress Ashley Judd attends the 2015 CFDA Fashion Awards at Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center on June 1, 2015, in New York City. (Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)
Photos: Ashley Judd through the years 2016: Actress/activist Ashley Judd attends a press conference held to announce her appointment as the UN Population Fund's (UNFPA) Goodwill Ambassador at United Nations on March 15, 2016, in New York City. (Jemal Countess/Getty Images)
Photos: Ashley Judd through the years 2017: Ashley Judd, Judith Light and Gloria Steinem attend the Women's Media Center 2017 Women's Media Awards at Capitale on October 26, 2017, in New York City. (Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Women's Media Center)
Photos: Ashley Judd through the years 2018: Ashley Judd attends the 90th annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018, in Hollywood, California. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Photos: Ashley Judd through the years 2019: Actress Ashley Judd speaks onstage during the "Feminism: A Battlefield Report" session at the 10th Anniversary Women in the World Summit - Day 2 at David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center on April 11, 2019, in New York City. (Mike Coppola/Getty Images)
Photos: Ashley Judd through the years 2022: Ashley Judd, left, cries as she speaks while sister Wynonna Judd listens during the Country Music Hall of Fame Medallion Ceremony on Sunday, May 1, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. (Wade Payne/Invision/AP)