Naomi Judd has died at the age of 76. Her daughters Wynonna and Ashley broke the news through a statement via Associated Press that reads: “Today we sisters experienced a tragedy. We lost our beautiful mother to the disease of mental illness. We are shattered. We are navigating profound grief and know that as we loved her, she was loved by her public. We are in unknown territory.”
Her publicist also confirmed the news in a statement that reads: “Entertainment icon Naomi Judd passed away April 30, 2022 outside of Nashville. Her husband, Larry Strickland, of 32 years will not be making any further statements. Naomi Judd’s family request privacy during this heartbreaking time. No additional information will be released at this time.”
A cause of death has not been revealed.
The Judds, Naomi’s country duo with daughter Wynonna, was supposed to be inducted into the Country Hall of Fame on Sunday, and the pair had recently announced an arena tour — their first in over a decade — that was slated to begin in the fall.
The Judds released six albums between 1984 and 1990, before Naomi announced her retirement after being diagnosed with Hepatitis C. Wynonna went on to have a successful solo career and Naomi’s health improved enough for a number of reunions.
Together, the duo recorded 14 No. 1 songs. Some of their biggest hits include 1984’s “Mama He’s Crazy” and “Why Not Me,” 1985’s “Girls Night Out,”1986’s “Rockin’ With the Rhythm of the Rain” and “Grandpa,” 1988’s “Turn It Loose,” and 1990’s “Love Can Build a Bridge,” off their final studio album of the same name.
Naomi is survived by her daughters, as well as husband Larry Strickland.
