Naomi Judd Memorial: Ashley and Wynonna Judd celebrate 'icon' mom with songs, jokes at EMOTIONAL event
Both daughters of the iconic late Naomi Judd, in addition to a bunch of A-list stars from Nashville and Hollywood, paid tribute to the legendary artist at a concert in Nashville on Sunday night, May 15. The 76-year old singer shot herself just one day before she was to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. The fact that she was battling depression was revealed by her daughter Ashley on Thursday, May 12.
The proceedings at the Music City's Ryman Auditorium were commenced by Ashely as she paid tribute to her late mother. Ashley said that her mother was an inspiration for 'every woman' considering the things she had been through and achieved in her life.
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Ashley Judd said, "Tonight, we are remembering an icon and a legend who left country music better than she found it. She was totally extraordinary." This was followed by introducing her older sister Wynonna, whom she called the 'GOAT' or 'greatest of all time'. Wynonna had spent years performing with their mother before her death and the duo's musical act was called 'The Judds.'
At the memorial, Wynonna chose to play their classic, 'River of Time.' The concluded the memorial event with Ashley, Wynonna and Naomi's husband Larry Strickland reminiscing about the legend by recalling some of their memories together, jokes and more. Additionally, Strickland also read a stranger's letter who apparently met Judd on a plane a couple weeks before she died.
In between were plenty of performances from country music legends and messages from a host of A-list stars including Bono, Morgan Freeman, Reese Witherspoon and even Oprah Winfrey. 'Good Morning America' host Robin Roberts emceed the event. Wynonna and Brandi Carlile also duetted on the song 'The Rose'.
Wynonna spoke of her mother and the promise she made to her to continue to sing and honour the tour The Judds that was scheduled before the icon left the world. She continued with her performance for which she recieved a standing ovation.
Roberts, the emcee, said, "Naomi was someone who never hesitated to show kindness and compassion to others." In her speech, Salma Hayek said meeting Judd was "like meeting Scarlett O'Hara. She had so much talent in her blood and so much fire in her heart." Reba McEntire said, "I love Naomi Judd. I miss her humor, I miss her huge smile and I love the love that she just gave everybody. What a talent, very smart lady, just gonna miss her a lot."