Naomi Judd’s public memorial service — hosted at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee — included emotional performances in honor of the late country music icon. Naomi unexpectedly died on April 30, following a long battle with mental illness. She was 76.
Wynonna Judd, Naomi’s daughter and duo partner, performed during the live event on Sunday (May 15). She also announced that she would still go on tour this year. The Judds previously announced “The Final Tour” dates, with special guest Martina McBride. Wynonna said: “I made a decision, and I decided to share it on national television. After a lot of thought, I am gonna have to honor her and do this tour because that is what you would want. …So tonight, as we close I say, ‘the show must go on.’ As hard as it may be, we will show up together.”
Naomi’s other daughter, actress Ashley Judd, recently spoke about her mother’s death in an emotional interview on Good Morning America, revealing new details about the tragedy. Ashley remembered her mother as “an unfailingly kind, sensitive woman.” If you or someone you know is considering suicide or is in emotional distress, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
“NAOMI JUDD: A RIVER OF TIME CELEBRATION,” the memorial service that aired live on CMT, included performances and appearances by Wynonna and Ashley, Carly Pearce, Ashley McBryde, Brandi Carlile, Emmylou Harris and Allison Russell, Little Big Town, Brad Paisley and more. Watch some of the biggest performances of the evening below: