Tearful but composed,Wynonna Juddaccepted country music’s highest honor for The Judds on Sunday night just a day afterthe shocking death of her mother and singing partner, Naomi Judd.
“I’m gonna make this fast because my heart’s broken — and I feel so blessed,” Wynonna Judd told the 800 people gathered in Nashville’s CMA Theater for the Country Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony. “I mean, it’s a very strange dynamic to be this broken and this blessed.”
Ashley Judd and Wynonna Judd.Jason Kempin/Getty
Indeed, early in the invitation-only event, Wynonna signaled that strength when Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and the night’s MC, described the mother and daughter’s well-known turbulent relationship in his introductory remarks.
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“They joined voices,” Young said, “and they joined forces, and they sang in harmony even when they didn’t live in harmony.”
A shout of “Amen!” — Wynonna’s — lifted from the front row.
After the duo had spent years of hoping and waiting, this day was to be their crowning achievement together, anticipated since the 2021 Hall of Fame classwas announced last August. Just three weeks ago, Wynonna and Naomi, 76,performed their signature anthem,“Love Can Build a Bridge,” on the CMT Awards — across the street from the Hall of Fame building where their plaque would soon be hanging. That appearance, in turn, was priming the pump for their just-announced final tour this fall.
Ashley Judd and Wynonna Judd.Wade Payne/Invision/AP/Shutterstock
Young further put their accomplishments — and relationship — in perspective. “We can’t ever know all their struggles, but we know all their songs,” he said. “Their stories have been well documented, Naomi and Wynonna, a mother and daughter forced together and forged together. It’s all complicated — and it all emerged in beauty and triumph.”
Ashley and Wynonna Judd.Jason Kempin/Getty for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Fellow KentuckianCarly Pearcethen appeared to lend her voice in tribute, mouthing, “I love you,” to Wynonna before delivering a heart-rending version of The Judds' 1986 No. 1 hit “Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout the Good Old Days).”
As Wynonna listened and dabbed at tears, she stretched an arm over Ashley, who leaned in and rested her head on her big sister’s shoulder. There were more tears when Americana artists Gillian Welch and David Rawlings performed “Young Love,” a No. 1 hit for The Judds in 1989.
Carly Pearce.Terry Wyatt/Getty
Country Music Hall of FamerRicky Skaggs, another fellow Kentuckian, had the honor of inducting the Judds, but first the devout Christian offered solace from scripture. “Blessed are those who mourn,” he said, quoting Matthew 5:4, “for they shall be comforted.”
Skaggs also offered encouragement in the face of grief. “Not only are we feeling and mourning your mom’s passing,” he told Wynonna and Ashley, “but all of country music and all of the people around the world that love your music and love the Judds are here praying for you guys and just saying, keep going, keep going. Don’t turn back.”
Once Skaggs finally called Wynonna and Ashley to accept the honor, the audience leapt to their feet, and the sisters held a long embrace amid the ovation. With the two women finally onstage, Skaggs draped a Hall of Fame medallion around Wynonna’s neck as Ashley ceremoniously bowed to her country-queen sister. Then, after the Judds’ plaque was unveiled, Skaggs poignantly presented to Ashley the medallion that had been destined for her mother’s neck.
Taking her turn at the microphone first, Ashley acknowledged her mother’s love for the country music community in their midst. “And she appreciated your love for her,” she said. “Your esteem for her and your regard for her really penetrated her heart, and it was your affection for her that did keep her going in these last years.”
Wynonna Judd and Ashley Judd.Terry Wyatt/Getty
But then, acutely aware of how much focus was on who was missing in the moment, she turned her attention to the woman who was present beside her.
“I’ve always been so proud of the music and so proud of you,” she told Wynonna. “So I know that we’re talking a lot about mom tonight, as we should be — our beautiful mother … " Her voice caught momentarily. “But I want you to know,” she continued, gathering herself, “that you also are being inducted into the Hall of Fame tonight … I love you and I’m proud of you. And mom is proud of you, and she always was.”
Finally taking the microphone for remarks that lasted less than three minutes, Wynonna first turned to humor, making light of her mother’s penchant for gab: “I didn’t prepare anything tonight because I knew Mom would probably talk the most.”
Wynonna Judd.Terry Wyatt/Getty
She then offered thanks to several people pivotal in her life, beginning with her husband of almost 10 years, Cactus Moser, who was also in attendance.
“Though my heart’s broken, I will continue to sing, because that’s what we do,” she assured the crowd, who responded with applause.
And then she spoke of her final moments with her mother the day before, telling how, “at 2:20, I kissed her on the forehead, and I walked away.” Though she didn’t indicate any further circumstances, she described a circle gathered around Naomi reciting perhaps the most beloved words in the Bible, the six verses of the 23rd Psalm. And then from memory, Wynonna tearfully, painstakingly recited them again for her rapt listeners, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want … "
She slowed in the final verse, emphasizing the syllable of each word — “surely goodness and mercy shall follow me in all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” — before she lifted her eyes and a hand heavenward.
Wynonna Judd.Wade Payne/Invision/AP/Shutterstock
Wynonna could be heard raising her voice in affirmation: “Yes. Yes!”
Wynonna Judd.Jason Kempin/Getty
The Judds were just one of four honorees at the annual event. Other inductees included two studio musicians, the late steel guitarist Pete Drake and drummer Eddie Bayers, and soul legend Ray Charles, whose forays into country brought millions to the genre. Among the performers wereGarth Brooks,Trisha Yearwood,Vince Gill,and recent standout onThe Voice,Wendy Moten.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, 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 tosuicidepreventionlifeline.org.
source: people.com
