On Sunday, May 1, the late Naomi Judd was tearfully honored by her daughters Ashley Judd and Wynonna Judd at the Country Music Hall of Fame induction in Nashville, Tennessee.
Prior to Sunday’s emotional ceremony, the sisters asked that the medallion ceremony proceed as scheduled despite the death of the family matriarch one day prior.
“My momma loved you so much, and she appreciated your love for her and I’m sorry that she couldn’t hang on until today,” an emotional Ashley addressed the audience. “Your esteem for her and regard for her really penetrated her heart, and it was your affection for her that did keep her going in these last few years.”
The 54-year-old actor was holding onto her sister when she talked.
On Saturday, April 30, the sisters announced that their mother had died at the age of 76. No exact cause of death was revealed, but they did share she died due “to the disease of mental illness.”
Naomi’s memory was honored at the event Sunday that was meant to her celebrate her contributions to country music alongside her daughter, Wynonna.
The Judds were selected to be inducted into the 2021 class of inductees alongside Eddie Bayers, Ray Charles and Pete Drake. Across their prolific career, the mother-daughter musical duo — with Wynonna serving as lead vocals — won five Grammys, nine CMA awards, seven ACM awards and had 20 top 10 hits, including 14 in the number one spot.
Ashley honored her sister during her remarks as well, making sure she was recognized during the ceremony. She also called her a “G.O.A.T.”
“I don’t think she knows I’m calling her the greatest of all time.” Ashley joked, adding, “She lives on a farm. She’s being a little literal.”
Next, Wynonna, 57, addressed the audience. “I didn’t prepare anything…