Wynonna Judd Is ‘Incredibly Angry’ in 1st Interview since Mom’s Death: ‘It’s Not Supposed to Be like This’

• After battling depression and anxiety for many years, Iconic Singer Naomi Judd suddenly decided to end it all.

• A few months later, Naomi’s daughter, Wynonna, had her first interview following her mother’s death, which she tagged “a new chapter.”

• Wynonna revealed she was incredibly angry about her mother’s tragic decision.

Naomi Judd was an American Singer and Actress whose career in the entertainment industry spanned several years. With nine Country Music Association awards and five Grammy awards, the songstress stamped her place as one of the best in showbiz.

Away from the public eye, there was more to Naomi than being an entertainment icon. She was also a doting mother to two children, Wynonna Judd, and Ashley Judd.

Wynonna Judd and Naomi Judd during Indianapolis 500 – 90th Running – Race Day at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. | Source: Getty Images

The “An Evergreen Christmas” actress welcomed Wynonna and Ashley in 1964 and 1968, respectively. At the time, Naomi had not ventured into show business and earned a living as a nurse in Ashland, Kentucky.

She worked hard to give her girls a good life as a single mother. Eventually, she would take a bold step to give herself and her children an even better life — Naomi quit her nursing career to take up singing.

Thankfully, the singer’s decision paid off, as she became one of the biggest stars of her time. However, towards the latter part of her life, Naomi became a shadow of herself due to struggles in her personal life, especially healthwise.

Singer Wynonna Judd and mom singer Naomi Judd of The Judds arrive at the 43rd Annual CMA Awards at the Sommet Center on November 11, 2009, in Nashville, Tennessee. | Source: Getty Images

Eventually, the actress gave in, and on April 30, 2022, at about 2:20 pm, Naomi tragically took her life. Following her demise, Ashley opened up about the circumstances surrounding her mother’s demise.

She revealed that her stepfather and sister had chosen her to address the cause of Naomi’s death before the details became public without their control.

Wynonna Judd is joined on stage by her mother, Naomi Judd, performing for the first time in years as The Judds at the 2009 CMA Music Festival at LP Field on June 13, 2009, in Nashville, Tennessee. | Source: Getty Images

In an interview with American Broadcaster Diane Sawyer, Ashley confessed that her mom struggled with mental health issues like depression and anxiety.

Sadly, Ashley’s words were proven to be true after details of Naomi’s death were released from the Nashville Medical Examiner’s office.

Country music duo the Judds, with Wynonna Judd and her mother Naomi, perform onstage at the Poplar Creek Music Theater in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, on June 3, 1990. | Source: Getty Images

According to the examiner’s report, the Grammy award-winning singer had a strong history of depression and anxiety, and at the time of her demise, she was battling bipolar disorder.

Test results of the blood sample collected from Naomi’s body showed traces of prescribed drugs for depression, bipolar disorder, and PTSD.

Sadly, the medication seemed not to have permanently helped Naomi, considering her decision to cut her life short in her Tennessee home.

Country music duo the Judds, with Wynonna Judd and her mother Naomi, perform onstage at the Rosemont Horizon in Rosemont, Illinois, on February 1, 1991. | Source: Getty Images

The Hollywood icon was found lifeless next to a gun and suicidal connotations. Upon discovering her unconscious body, emergency responders rushed Naomi to a hospital in Nashville, where she was eventually pronounced dead.

Wynonna and Ashley Honor Their Mother

The period of mourning a family member is a difficult and emotional one. This is why other family members tend to put their differences aside to honor the memory of their loved one, and for Wynonna and Ashley, it was not any different.

While speaking, the country music singer admitted to being “incredibly angry” at her mom for taking her life.

Ashley Judd, Naomi Judd, and Wynonna Judd during APLA 6th Commitment to Life Concert Benefit at Universal Amphitheater in Universal City, California, United States. | Source: Getty Images

Despite having disagreements in the past, the sisters put it all behind them to celebrate their mother. The iconic singer and her daughter, Wynonna, were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame a day after Naomi’s death, and the sisters put up a united front while on stage to honor their late mom.

After Wynonna received her award at the induction ceremony, Ashley gave an emotional speech. The actress told the audience that Naomi loved them very much and appreciated their love for her. Then, she apologized for her mother’s inability to be present at the event.

Wynonna Judd, Ashley Judd, and Naomi Judd during The 70th Annual Academy Awards – Red Carpet at Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, United States. | Source: Getty Images

Following Ashley’s speech, Wynonna shared a few words while holding back tears. In her words (via Country Living):

“I’m going to keep this fast because my heart’s broken, and I feel so blessed. And it’s a very strange dynamic to be this broken and this blessed.”

Naomi Judd, Ashley Judd, and Wynonna Judd during Youth AIDS Gala with Ashley Judd – Arrivals – September 14, 2005, at Washington, DC in Washington, District of Columbia, United States. | Source: Getty Images

It was a beautiful moment that attracted many positive comments from the public. Wynonna would later open up about her and Ashley’s reunion on the stage and afterward during a chat with CBS’s Lee Cowan. In her words:

“We both kind of look at each other like, ‘I’ve got you,’ right? And we look at each other, and we say, ‘Yeah.’ We’re so united right now, I think more so than we have been in a long time.”

Following her revelation, Cowan asked the singer if she and Ashley grieved differently. In her response, Wynonna made it known that even though she and her sister were closer than before, they still grieved differently.

Ashley Judd, Wynonna Judd, and Naomi Judd during Wynonna Judd Press Event at The Ritz Carlton in Pasadena, CA, United States. | Source: Getty Images

“We do, very much so. Every family member can agree with me on this one. We’re all very different in this family,” the “Rockin’ With the Rhythm of the Rain” singer noted.

Wynonna Opens up about Losing Her Mother

Wynonna’s interview with Cowan on “CBS Sunday Morning” was her first interview following the shocking demise of her mother.

Besides talking about her and Ashley’s relationship, the singer spoke candidly about dealing with Naomi’s death. While speaking, the country music singer admitted to being “incredibly angry” at her mom for taking her life.

Wynonna Judd performs onstage during CMT and Sandbox Live’s “Naomi Judd: A River Of Time Celebration” at Ryman Auditorium on May 15, 2022, in Nashville, Tennessee. | Source: Getty Images

Then, Cowan specifically asked if the feeling of anger ever goes away, to which Wynonna replied in the negative. Next, the singer said she felt Naomi’s presence and talked to her. According to Wynonna, she would tell her late mom that she missed her and their arguments.

Overall, it has been a difficult time for Wynonna and her family. The singer has explained that she is trying to cope with her mother’s absence, and a lot of crying has helped.

Wynonna Judd at The Recording Academy®’s 2017 GRAMMYs on the Hill® Awards on April 5 to honor four-time GRAMMY® winner Keith Urban with the Recording Artists’ Coalition® Award for his musical achievements and commitment to numerous music education programs. | Source: Getty Images

Meanwhile, the coming days might not be any easier for Wynonna, as she will embark soon on what was supposed to be a reunion tour for The Judds. According to her:

“As I walk out on stage that first night, I’ll probably say something like, ‘It’s not supposed to be like this’ because it’s not, right? It’s supposed to be the two of us. And I’m gonna be angry because she’s not there.”

Undoubtedly, it will be emotionally challenging for Wynonna, but thankfully, she will have the love and support of her fans, friends, and family.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. Other international suicide helplines can be found at befrienders.org.