Dolly Parton shared a heartfelt, bittersweet message to the Judd family on Monday evening (May 2). Parton, like many others, said she was “shocked” to hear that Naomi Judd, an iconic country artist and half of mother-daughter duo The Judds, died on Saturday afternoon (April 30). She was 76.
Parton said she was close with Naomi and her daughters, actress Ashley Judd and country artist Wynonna Judd. While Parton offered Ashley and Wynonna her condolences, she also congratulated The Judds on their induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. The Medallion Ceremony took place in Nashville on Sunday (May 1), one day after Naomi’s death. The ceremony continued, keeping with the Judd family’s wishes. Read Parton’s full statement here:
“I was so shocked to hear about Naomi’s passing. Naomi and I were close. We were very similar. We were the same age and both Capricorns. We loved big hair, makeup and music. I have always loved Ashley, Wynonna and Naomi. They’ve always been like sisters to me. Congratulations Wynonna for you and your mom being inducted into the Hall of Fame yesterday. I am sorry I couldn’t be there but I can hear Naomi saying now ‘Oh well, a day late and a Dolly short.’ Congratulations and condolences are both in order. Just know that I will always love you.”
Wynonna and Ashley confirmed their mother’s passing in a statement on Saturday, saying at the time: “Today we sisters experienced a tragedy. We lost our beautiful mother to the disease of mental illness. We are shattered. We are navigating profound grief and know that as we loved her, she was loved by her public. We are in unknown territory.”