NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Nashville is mourning the loss of Country Music Hall of Famer, Naomi Judd who passed at the age of 76. The Country Music Hall of Fame Medallion Ceremony, which represents the official ceremony for induction is set for Sunday in Nashville where The Judds, Naomi and Wynonna were among the slated inductees. Artists and industry friends reflect on her passing with words of condolence, love and shared memories.
“There is no way I can get my mind to adjust to this reality. Naomi brought such a breath of fresh air to our industry with her uptown looks and down-home humor. Her talent was only equaled by her dedication to following her dream and her unbelievable work ethic. She was respected, admired and will be remembered for those attributes. Even as we prepared a place for her in the Hall of Fame, we know that God has prepared a place for her as well.”–Jeannie Seely
“I’m saddened and shocked to hear of Naomi’s passing. Another old friend lost.”–JP Pennington, Exile
“We played together on a lot of shows as they blasted into superstardom. Like everyone else in our industry, we were taken with Naomi’s beauty and grace. We are shocked by her passing and missing her now. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.”–Exile
“Such a warm and talented lady. Prayers for Wynonna, Ashley and her husband Larry, as well as all of their family, friends and fans as they grieve this tremendous loss.”–John Berry
“We are all shocked and basically trying to process this tragic news! Naomi was iconic. She had a charismatic presence and a fire inside as intense as her trademark redhead and stunning features. I had the pleasure of working with The Judds several times throughout their different runs as a dynamic duo. Her subtle, but oh so noticeable low harmonies were unlike any other. Their music will ALWAYS be classic. My heart goes out to my friend Wy, Ashley and the whole family in this terribly sad time!”–Heidi Newfield
The Judds were a unique and inspirational duo. Naomi’s life story reads like a fairytale. Her upbringing and working as a nurse and of her and Wynonna doing the 5:30 am Ralph Emery Show to their rise to superstardom. Naomi was loved by so many and will be missed.”–Kent Blazy
“I love the Judds. We got to play some shows with them and as expected, they were so great. Our thoughts go out to the Judd family.”–David Ball
“So sorry for your loss Wy, Ashley, Larry and family.”-Steve Dorff
“Country music lost an iconic woman who has inspired so many families across the globe, including ours. Our Momma was a huge fan of Judd’s family harmony which was no doubt a part of our family harmony growing up. She will be greatly missed. Whether singing live or conducting an interview, Naomi Judd always carried herself as if “Love Can Build A Bridge.” She will be greatly missed.”–Flat River Band
“My heart hurts after hearing the news about Naomi. I was in radio before moving to Nashville and The Judd’s came along with a rootsy sound when so much of Country Music had an overproduced sound and had gotten away from its roots. Praying for Wynonna and the family.”–Bobby Tomberlin
“Momma He’s Crazy” and “Grandpa” were favorites as a kid and just part of the soundtrack of my childhood. I once was meeting a friend for dinner and he was wearing his military attire, and the waiter informed us that Naomi Judd had seen him walk in and our meal was paid for and thanked him for his service. I’ll choose to remember her for that kind gesture over such a shocking tragic ending. Just shows that status, awards, and fame don’t always reflect the struggles inside. Prayers for all of the family.”–Tess Frizzell
“My heart goes out to Wynonna and Ashley on the passing of their mother, Naomi. In a world where someone might seem to have it all, mental illness can be a thief that steals joy from every moment. I pray that they can find peace moving forward knowing that their love did indeed build a bridge, maybe not fully realized on this side of heaven, but truly on the other side as Naomi has found her way home.”–Devon O’Day, host of Main Street Today and family friend
“The Judds are one of our first memories of music and the reason we sing country music today. They taught us what harmonies were supposed to be, both bold and beautiful. We are devastated by the news and are sending all our love and prayers to the family as well as all the fellow Judds fans out there.”–Joe and Martina
“The Judds were a powerhouse duo that changed the landscape of music and on the eve of their Country Music Hall of Fame induction, we have lost Naomi. I’m so sorry and sad for the millions of fans, the musical peers, but mostly for Ashley and Wynonna.”–Zacharia Malachi
“It is a terrible day when one of your heroes passes away. I’m so heartbroken to hear about the passing of Naomi Judd. Being from Kentucky, The Judds were a staple in our house. One of the first songs I learned to play and sing when I first started in music was “Mama He’s Crazy”. She and Wynonna were major inspirations in my music and life. She will be dearly missed.”–Dallas Remington
“Growing up and having a very close mother/daughter relationship with my own Mom and sharing a love for music with her, we always felt a deep connection to The Judds and their catalog of music. Every song so relatable and heartfelt. Their harmonies were spot-on, and were a big reason I found it easier to learn harmony parts when I started to sing. Darin and I are so saddened to learn of the passing of Naomi Judd today. We are grateful that we watched her final performance on the CMT Awards just a few weeks ago. Thank you, Naomi, for leaving a mark on the music world and in our hearts. We send many thoughts and prayers to Wynonna, Ashley and their entire family.”-Darin and Brooke Aldridge
“So sorry and heartbroken to hear about the passing of Naomi Judd. She and Wynonna’s music have influenced countless artists including me. When I was little, my Mom and I would pretend that we were The Judds. We even covered “Rockin’ With the Rhythm of the Rain” at one of my vocal recitals and I still perform that song today. My prayers are with Wynonna, Ashley, Larry, and the entire family and for everyone who was a part of The Judds journey. Their music will always be legendary and those magic family harmonies will continue to live on. God Bless and love.”–Taylon Hope
“I am heartbroken today over the passing of Naomi Judd. She was my greatest influence in country music and she was my friend. Her kindness, generosity and encouragement meant more to me than she could have ever known and all the ways she influenced me and millions of others around the world will never be forgotten. I truly loved her.“–Jacy Dawn Valeras co-host of Country Music Success Stories
“Having the chance to interview Naomi Judd at her home for our very first episode of Country Music Success Stories was one of the absolute highlights of my career. She was welcoming, she was kind, and she was wide open about a life that took her from a “stinkin’ mountaintop in Kentucky” to superstardom worldwide. Through it all, she remained so grateful for the chance to sing, write and connect with an audience that adored her. No one can replace Miss Naomi.“–Candy O’ Terry co-host of Country Music Success Stories
“Naomi Judd has always been and will be one of the greatest icons of Country Music. Her humble style with overtones of faith has inspired me as I grew up and traveled the world. I am sad to hear of her passing and will never forget her as a wonderful human being.”–Donovan Chapman
“The Judds music was a huge inspiration to me growing up. With family from Eastern Kentucky, I always felt connected to them. Naomi was everyone’s mom. She was unapologetically herself and I will keep that in my soul forever as I navigate my journey in country music.”–Emily Miller
“Growing up in the 90s, the Judd’s music was inescapable. The emotion they were able to convey through airtight harmonies remains unparalleled. They made us all “feel” the words they were singing in ways I aspire to every time I step into a vocal booth. I’m heartbroken to hear of Naomi’s passing. Country music lost a legend today.”–Hayden Joseph
“I am absolutely heartbroken to learn about the devastating loss of Naomi Judd. She was a complete legend and one of the biggest female trailblazers for all of us female country artists. I remember so well singing “Grandpa” at so many of my shows when I was young. I have always loved the storytelling behind their music and the iconic sound that went into it. “Why Not Me” will forever be one of my favorite songs and I will always look back to Naomi’s legacy and music for inspiration. She will forever live on through her music and the story she left behind.”–Dani-elle Kleha
“As a big fan of the soulful Country sound, I was always drawn to the Judds music. I have been lucky to spend time with Wynonna and Catctus, who have always been very kind to me. My condolences to the family for their loss.”–Jackson Nance
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of Mrs. Naomi Judd. Such a great talent and a beautiful person. This is a great loss to country music. May God help heal the hearts of her family and friends.”–Jason Brownie
“It is a sad day for country music, but Naomi’s memory will live on forever in her songs. I still remember the first time I heard “Love Can Build A Bridge”. The message is as relevant today as ever, and even though she’s gone, her music will continue to inspire young songwriters everywhere.”–Bryan Ruby