Wynonna Judd Opens Up: Healing Through Music and Memories
In the emotional documentary Wynonna Judd: Between Hell and Hallelujah, country music icon Wynonna Judd opens up about the tragic loss of her mother, Naomi, who took her own life at the age of 76.
Struggling to hold back tears, Wynonna reflects on that fateful day, stating, "When I pass my mom's house, I still think of the day I got the call." Naomi's passing on April 30, 2022, after a lifelong battle with depression, deeply impacted the country music community, and Wynonna in particular.
As one-half of the successful duo The Judds, Wynonna and her mother won five Grammy Awards and earned 14 No. 1 singles. Now, at 58 years old, Wynonna is sharing her journey through devastation, guilt, and grief with the release of her Paramount+ documentary. A source close to the singer reveals, "Wynonna has been through so much in her life, but her mother's death is one thing she will never get over."
In the wake of her mother's passing, Wynonna found solace in music. Last October, she embarked on The Judds: The Final Tour without her mother by her side. The source explains, "The thing that truly got Wynonna through this past year was her music and touring. Writing, singing, performing — that's how she handles the tough days."
The tour featured guest appearances by country stars like Faith Hill and Trisha Yearwood, providing Wynonna with the support and distraction she needed.
Therapy has also played a crucial role in helping Wynonna navigate her challenging life experiences. The source elaborates, "Wynonna has had an immensely tough life, and therapy has always helped her deal with trauma." Despite her complicated relationships with her sister Ashley Judd and her late mother, Wynonna has found that their shared grief has brought her and Ashley closer together.
However, the guilt of not being more present in her mother's final days still haunts Wynonna. She confesses, "We were disconnected. One of my regrets is that I was so busy." As she continues to heal, she acknowledges that "time certainly helps you get to the sixth stage of grief, which is finding meaning."
The documentary, described by the source as "very cathartic," allowed Wynonna to explore her emotions in a raw and honest manner. By sharing her story, Wynonna is not only healing herself but also honoring her mother's memory, knowing that "in her heart, she knows her mother would be proud of her."