Wynonna Judd, two years after the passing of her mother Naomi Judd, continues to feel a profound connection to her, especially when performing on stage. In a recent interview with Us Weekly, Wynonna shared that she often finds herself looking up during her performances, feeling the presence of angels, and now, her mother. She candidly expressed her thoughts, saying, “I do. On stage, I look up a lot because I see angels. Now I do it with Mom. I’m like, ‘What the hell are you doing? Where are you and why are you not here? And why are we not singing together again?'”
At 60, the “I Saw the Light” singer feels Naomi’s presence most strongly during her performances and when she is with her 2-year-old granddaughter, Kaliyah. Kaliyah, the daughter of Wynonna’s daughter Grace Kelley, who has faced legal challenges, carries a picture of Naomi and her mother. Wynonna often talks to Kaliyah about them, reassuring her that they love her very much.
Wynonna, who has been through a tumultuous period following her mother’s death by suicide, has found solace and strength in her faith and her relationship with her sister, actress Ashley Judd. The bond between the sisters has grown stronger, with Wynonna noting that the “grout between the stones is God.” They have both come to realize the importance of their connection and the limited time they have left.
Ashley Judd has also come to terms with their mother’s struggles with mental illness, expressing hope that Naomi was able to let go of any guilt or shame she may have carried. In a podcast interview, Ashley shared her understanding and forgiveness towards her mother, emphasizing that all was forgiven long ago.
Wynonna’s journey through grief has been a process of acceptance and healing. She acknowledges that grief comes and goes, and she sees it as a gift in terms of healing. When the grief hits, she allows herself to cry and embrace the emotions, understanding that it is perfectly fine to do so.
In a recent emotional moment, Wynonna received the Country Champion Award at the 2023 People’s Choice Country Awards. During her acceptance speech, she recounted the day her mother took her own life and the strength she found to continue performing and honoring her mother’s legacy. She shared the poignant memory of holding her mother in her arms and saying goodbye before attending the Country Music Hall of Fame induction the next day.
Wynonna’s performances have become a blend of joy and sorrow, as she often talks to her late mother while on stage. She described the experience as visiting the past while living in the present and publicly grieving. The upcoming recreation of her last concert with Naomi at Middle Tennessee State University is a significant event for Wynonna, as it marks 31 years since their final performance together.
The concert, which will feature artists who performed during the 1991 show and those who have been with Wynonna on tour this year, is a celebration of Naomi’s life and legacy. Wynonna’s final tour, initially intended as a farewell tour with her mother, has become a tribute to Naomi, filled with emotional and powerful performances.
Wynonna’s connection to her mother remains strong, and she continues to honor her memory through her music and performances. The upcoming concert and tour extension are a testament to the enduring bond between Wynonna and Naomi, and the impact they have had on the country music world.
