Nashville’s Music Industry Remembers Naomi Judd

Numerous artists and music industry members have offered tributes and memories of the late music legend and matriarch of mother-daughter duo The Judds, Naomi Judd, who passed away on Saturday (April 30).

Comprised of mother Naomi and daughter Wynonna, The Judds are one of the most successful duos in country music history. Together they scored 20 Top 10 hits, including 14 No. 1s, between 1984 and 1991. Their most enduring country standards, such as “Mama He’s Crazy,” “Why Not Me” and “Grandpa (Tell Me ‘bout the Good Old Days),” infused folk, bluegrass and blues into a unique country sound.

The Judds were celebrated alongside Ray Charles, Eddie Bayers, and Pete Drake on Sunday (May 1) as they were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame for their iconic career full of country hits.

“We are shocked and saddened to learn of the death of Naomi Judd, who enters the Country Music Hall of Fame tomorrow as a member of mother-daughter duo The Judds,” shared Kyle Young, CEO, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, on Saturday. “Naomi overcame incredible adversity on her way to a significant place in music history. Her triumphant life story overshadows today’s tragic news. 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.”

“We are heartbroken to learn about the passing of the legendary Naomi Judd and honored to have shared many unforgettable moments and performances together. Our hearts go out to her husband Larry, daughters Wynonna and Ashley, and legions of fans around the world during this difficult time.” – CMT Spokesperson

“Naomi and Wynonna Judd (known as The Judds) have been with our company for 40 years, for their entire career. This is an incredible loss to everyone at our company and the entire music industry, where Naomi made such an incredible impact. Her daughters Wynonna and Ashley will always be an amazing part of her legacy. We send our heartfelt condolences to her husband and our friend Larry Strickland. We will respect the family’s wishes for privacy during this difficult and painful time.” – Mike Curb, Chairman, Curb Records

My heart is saddened from the loss of Naomi Judd. I had the pleasure of some great conversations with her over the years. She was always very kind and gracious to me. Such an Icon in country music. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. She will truly be missed. pic.twitter.com/r1I9JvsENV

— Tracy Lawrence (@tracy_lawrence) May 1, 2022

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of my friend and fellow Kentuckian, Naomi Judd. Naomi was always so special to be with. She accomplished so much and she will be missed and loved forever. My prayers go out to Naomi and her family.” – Crystal Gayle

I’m just heartbroken over the loss of @TheNaomiJudd. My fellow Kentucky girl, my friend, and an amazing singer. There are no words. Please pray for Wynonna, Ashley, Larry, and grandchildren. Heartbroken. Sending all my love. pic.twitter.com/92FiYQg7bS

— Loretta Lynn (@LorettaLynn) May 1, 2022

“We just heard the devastating news that Naomi Judd has gone home. The Judds are being inducted into The Country Music Hall of Fame tomorrow. This is so very sad. We have been friends for decades and have worked hundreds of shows together. Our prayers for WY and Ashley and for all that loved her… which includes the four of us!” – The Oak Ridge Boys

“I have so many memories with Naomi Judd-from our early years on stage around the country, awards shows to recent neighborly encounters at church or around our town of Franklin. I am speechless and so sad! My prayers go out to Wynonna, Ashley, and the rest of her family. God bless you and comfort you all.” – Lee Greenwood

My heart is sinking over the loss today of Naomi Judd at 76. She was a talented lady, and one of a kind, making The Judds iconic in every sense of the word. This pic was taken just a few weeks ago pic.twitter.com/mRYJHUjTc8

— Cody Alan (@CodyAlan) April 30, 2022

“It’s a sad day to hear about Naomi Judd, her creative and clever creation of The Judds image made a huge impact in country music. She will be missed greatly.” – Janie Fricke

“Naomi Judd was a dear friend and awesome talent. She was always so sweet and kind to me. I knew her well and did dozens of shows with The Judds. They have touched millions with their music. Sheila and my hearts are broken. Please pray for the Judd Family, fans, and friends. Rest in peace, sweet sister. I love you!” – T. Graham Brown

“There is no way I can get my mind to adjust to this reality. Naomi brought such a breath of fresh air to our industry with her uptown looks and down-home humor. Her talent was only equaled by her dedication to following her dream and her unbelievable work ethic. She was respected, admired and will be remembered for those attributes. Even as we prepared a place for her in the Hall of Fame, we know that God has prepared a place for her as well.” – Jeannie Seely

“Such a warm and talented lady. Prayers for Wynonna, Ashley and her husband Larry, as well as all of their family, friends and fans as they grieve this tremendous loss.” – John Berry

So sad at the loss of my friend and music legend @TheNaomiJudd. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends. As a fellow Kentuckian my hats off in honor of the legacy of music she shared with the world and the doors she opened for so many others like me. pic.twitter.com/JwGkiLtUA5

— Billy Ray Cyrus (@billyraycyrus) April 30, 2022

“Say it isn’t so. Cannot believe my girlfriend and longtime buddy Naomi is gone. We’ve known each other for years and she always treated me with class, grace and pure kindness. I’m going to miss her so much.” – Tanya Tucker

“I am shocked and saddened along with the rest of our country music community over the passing of Naomi Judd. I’ll 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 identify herself for the audience and she said, “My name is Naomi Judd and I am a nurse from Franklin, Tennessee. My daughter and I sing together, and someday we hope to make it in country music.” I was looking so forward to recalling that moment with her on Sunday when she and Wynonna were to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. She was one of a kind and will certainly be missed.” – Bill Anderson

“Such a tragic loss. Truly one of country music‘s most iconic entertainers has left us all in tears. As I sit here wondering why to myself, I know there are no answers. You look back and you think could I have helped in some way? I know these feelings as they have crept up in my life a time or two. Naomi was always so nice to me and my family. She would go out of her way to have someone summon me to come to her dressing room and we’d be sitting and talking until she or I had to go onstage. She always gave me wonderful advice, so it breaks my heart that maybe I should’ve reached out to her one more time. Our hearts are broken, and this music industry, this business, can do strange and crazy things to people. My thoughts are with her two beautiful daughters, Larry and her grandchildren and all of the fans who were so excited to see her back on the road and back on the stage again. She’s on the best stage she could ever be on now. Rest in peace, Naomi.”– Lorrie Morgan

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