Wynonna Judd Reflects on Complex Relationship with Late Mother Naomi Judd

Editor’s note: This story discusses sensitive topics including suicide and sexual assault. If you or someone you know is facing suicidal thoughts, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The National Sexual Assault Hotline can be contacted at 1-800-656-4673.

In a candid exploration of family dynamics, Wynonna and Ashley Judd opened up about their intricate relationship with their late mother Naomi Judd in the new A&E docuseries titled ‘The Judd Family: Truth Be Told.’ The sisters reflected on their shared past, marked by both triumphs and traumas, and their mother’s journey through personal struggles toward success.

The first three episodes of the docuseries delve into the complexities of growing up with a young mother, facing childhood abuse from one of Naomi’s former partners, and their eventual relocation back to Kentucky after spending time in Los Angeles. Wynonna and Naomi navigated the pressures of country music stardom together.

Wynonna expressed her nuanced feelings about their bond, stating, ‘I’ve loved her more than I’ve loved myself, but mother was both in love with me and terrified of me because I represented what she didn’t know and couldn’t control.’ This admission underscores the complicated nature of their relationship.

During the discussion, Wynonna attributed her mother’s tragic decision to die by suicide to what she termed ‘generational trauma,’ highlighting the lasting impact of unresolved familial issues. ‘One of the reasons I have decided that Mom left this world is because of trauma, generational trauma, family stuff that never got healed or fixed,’ Wynonna revealed.

Naomi’s difficult upbringing included a judgmental mother, the loss of her younger brother to cancer, and the challenges of becoming a teen mother. Wynonna articulated the weight of this legacy, referring to her relationship with her mother as a ‘blessing and a burden’ because she felt responsible for her mother’s emotional well-being.

‘As a child, she did not get what she needed,’ Wynonna said, reflecting on Naomi’s struggles. Wynonna confessed to never feeling permitted to experience childhood innocence, stating, ‘I was the adult.’ This profound statement illustrates the role reversal that often occurred in their lives.

Ashley Judd added to the conversation, describing how their mother carried a ‘constellation of her sufferings’ that escalated into severe depression before her passing. Wynonna revealed that from a young age, Naomi constantly sought approval from her own mother, a pursuit that continued throughout her career.

Ashley provided insight into the psychological effects of their upbringing, noting that their mother seemed perpetually haunted by her past. She said, ‘It wasn’t about ego and grandiosity and self-importance. It was actually something much more humble than that. It was about basic self-worth.’

Naomi tragically died by suicide in April 2022, leaving a void filled with reflection and sorrow among her family.

Wynonna and Ashley recounted the unsettling experiences with a former boyfriend of their mother, whom they described as ‘creepy.’ Wynonna explained, ‘Mom had a really, really not healthy boyfriend,’ recalling a time when they felt fear and discomfort in his presence.

The sisters recounted instances of feeling unsafe and the protective instincts that surfaced in Wynonna. ‘I was old enough to know that something was wrong,’ she stated. Memories of the abusive dynamics during their childhood underscore the significant challenges they faced.

Naomi wrote about her painful experiences in her memoir and the docuseries delves into these historical wounds. For instance, one recollection described the terrifying reality of Naomi facing an enraged ex-partner during a violent encounter.

Ashley revealed her feelings of abandonment as a child, emphasizing that everyone perceived her as ‘capable’ and felt there was no need to provide her with support. This overwhelming sense of isolation contributed to her emotional struggles throughout her life.

As she transitioned into her teenage years, Ashley moved in with her father. However, she noted that he too was often absent and dealing with his own issues. Reflecting on her youth, Ashley recounted times of self-care amid neglect, sharing that she coped with chickenpox alone in a hotel room while her mother worked and socialized.

In this reflective journey, both sisters revealed their ongoing battles with mental health stemming from their turbulent childhoods. Ashley recounted experiences that, unfortunately, included trauma from being raped during her time modeling in Japan.

Upon sharing these experiences with her mother, Ashley remarked on Naomi’s reaction, which felt dismissive. ‘My own experience and reality invalidated and denied,’ she stated, emphasizing the disconnect in their understanding of sexual assault.

Despite their struggles, Ashley remains compassionate towards her mother, saying, ‘My experience of my mother is a description not an indictment. Everyone was doing the best they could.’ This statement showcases the complexity of familial love amid a backdrop of pain.

Wynonna’s journey in the music industry has not been without its own challenges. Her struggles with weight and self-image were largely influenced by her past abuses, as she recounted. ‘I was molested at 12, so my whole sexuality thing was really stamped out,’ she revealed, discussing how food provided solace during turbulent times.

Her complicated relationship with their mother extended to performances as a duo. Wynonna expressed frustration over Naomi’s stage presence, emphasizing, ‘Mom was very hard on me. She was terrified of losing me, of course.’

Wynonna fondly remembered how she wished their mother-daughter bond could mirror the harmony of their music, though she ultimately recognized the dysfunction that colored their interactions.

In the docuseries, Larry Strickland, Naomi’s widower, shared insights into their relationship, openly admitting to struggles with jealousy concerning Naomi’s success. This acknowledgment adds depth to the understanding of their family dynamic.

Currently, both Wynonna and Ashley Judd continue to process the legacy of their mother while striving to maintain their own identities and mental well-being. The docuseries serves as a poignant reminder of the complex narratives that shape familial relationships and individual experiences.

Through sharing their stories, the Judd sisters hope to foster understanding and empathy for those grappling with their own familial challenges.

The significance of addressing mental health, emotional trauma, and the intricacies of love reverberates throughout their narratives, encouraging a broader dialogue on healing and family bonds.