The country music community and the world is reacting after news of Naomi Judd’s death was released on Saturday (April 30).
The 76-year-old Grammy-award winning member of The Judds passed away from “the disease of mental illness,” according to a statement released by her daughters, Wynonna and Ashley. The sisters added that they are “shattered” and “navigating profound grief.”
The news of Naomi’s sudden passing was met with shock and sadness as those who loved her, including many of her fellow country stars who took to social media to pay tribute to the late singer. The Oak Ridge Boys, whom the mother-daughter duo opened for in the mid-80s, expressed their grief in a post that read, “Oh Sweet Jesus…Naomi Judd has gone home…the day before the Judds [Country Music Hall of Fame] induction…..We are saddened beyond words.”
Oh Sweet Jesus… Naomi Judd has gone home … the day before the Judds @countrymusichof induction … This is divesting news… We are saddened beyond words…
— The Oak Ridge Boys (@oakridgeboys) April 30, 2022
Legendary artists from Tanya Tucker, Crystal Gayle, Bill Anderson, and Lorrie Morgan to many modern artists such as Carrie Underwood, Mickey Guyton, and Maren Morris expressed their condolences. Read some of them below.
This is heartbreaking news! Naomi Judd was one of the sweetest people I’ve ever known. I had the honor of working with her in movies and numerous musical events. My deepest heartfelt condolences go out to her family. https://t.co/ONRL9Q29om
— Travis Tritt (@Travistritt) April 30, 2022
I am deeply saddened by the loss of my friend and fellow Kentuckian, Naomi Judd. Naomi was always so special to be with. She accomplished so much and she will be missed and loved forever. My prayers go out to Naomi and her family.❤️🙏🏻❤️ pic.twitter.com/Us57t9bfsj
— Crystal Gayle (@TheCrystalGayle) April 30, 2022
The Judds will be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame on Sunday (May 1), one day after Naomi Judds’ death. Her daughter Wynonna is expected to be in attendance for the ceremony that will go on as scheduled at the request of Naomi’s family.