Ashley Judd Praises ‘Big Sister’ Wynonna Judd After Attending Tour Finale: ‘She’s Indeed The G.O.A.T.’

Wynonna Judd wrapped up her 2023 Back To Wy Tour on December 1st and to celebrate the end to the run, the country icon’s sister, Ashley Judd, took to social media to display her love and support for Wynonna’s dedication to keeping their mother’s legacy alive through her music. 

Ashley began her sincere note by sharing fond memories of their childhood and recalling the comfort and joy she felt from Wynonna’s presence growing up. 

A Touching Tribute

“My big sister. My protector who powdered me when I was an infant, let me do her Civics homework when I was in 6th grade (which made me feel “big”), who taught me how to drive (it was a 1957 Chevy), with whom I compared mosquito bites after we played in eastern Kentucky creeks looking for crawdads. Oh, yes — she happened to sing some, too,” Ashley joked in the caption.

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The message was penned alongside three photos of the two sisters captured backstage at the final date of Wynonna’s trek, which took place at the Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville. Ashley went on to recap the memorable evening that featured tunes stemming from Wynonna’s early career when she performed alongside her late mother, Naomi, as part of their beloved country duo, The Judds.   

“This past Friday, she sang in Knoxville, and it was glorious,” she continued. “My favorite songs are the ones our Mama wrote, so customized for her voice are they. Thank you to fans for loving my sister @wynonnajudd and helping to give her life purpose and meaning, and for recognizing that she’s indeed the G.O.A.T.”

Wynonna Responds

Wynonna returned the heartfelt words as she commented, “I love you sister. ❤️”

Produced by Live Nation, the 2023 North American Back To Wy Tour kicked off on October 26 with a performance at the Murat Theatre at Old National Center in Indianapolis, IN. Throughout the 15-city trek, the Kentucky-born singer/songwriter showcased the entirety of her debut and sophomore solo albums, “Wynonna” (1992) and “Tell Me Why” (1993), in addition to celebrating a slew of fan-favorite hits that have spawned over the years, and The Judds’ classics such as “Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout The Good Old Days),” “Love Is Alive,” and “Mama He’s Crazy.” 

Back To Wy Tour

This career-spanning setlist marks a sentimental and bittersweet journey for Wynonna as she continues to navigate her career as a solo artist, since her mom died on April 30, 2022.

“Getting to share this tour with the fans who have been with me for 40 years, means the world to me. Deep diving into my first two solo albums, Wynonna” and “Tell Me Why,” track by track, will be a trip down memory lane. As I sit and listen to these two records, I’m flooded with the memories that surrounded that time in my life.”

She continued, “The fans held me up and supported me through that season of change in 1992, and I now see ‘herstory repeating itself. This music healed me then and is healing me now. The circle of life continues…” 

Christmas Release

Wynonna also honored the memories of her time with The Judds in her most recent release of the Christmas classic, “Beautiful Star of Bethlehem.” The faith-filled tune was written in 1938 by Tennessee native Robert Fisher Boyce. The Judds first recorded their rendition of the track in 1987 and now, Wynonna has given it a new life through a solo recording produced by her husband, Cactus Moser. 

“’Beautiful Star of Bethlehem’ is one of the first Christmas songs I ever remember singing with Mom,” Wynonna shared of the song. “We recorded it in 1987 for the ‘Christmas Time with The Judds’ album, and I still sing it to this day!”

Hosting Christmas at the Opry

This song drops right in the midst of preparations for Wynonna Judd’s upcoming hosting duties for NBC’s Christmas at the Opry.

Airing tonight, Dec. 7, the two-hour holiday event will be held at Nashville’s historic Grand Ole Opry House and feature performances by some of the best and brightest voices in country music. 

“Get ready for a good old-fashioned country, sing-along Opry style. It’s time to celebrate the season, and it’s all about food, fellowship and your faith, and we become family,” Wynonna teased in a new promotional video for the festive event.

In addition to hosting, Wynonna will also take the stage to perform a duet of the classic “Santa Claus is Coming To Town” alongside Kelly Clarkson. Additional performers include Adam Dolec, BRELAND, Brenda Lee, Chris Janson, Chrissy Metz, Kelly Clarkson, Lauren Alaina, Meghan Patrick, Mickey Guyton, Mitchell Tenpenny, Trace Adkins, and more. 

Christmas at the Opry is executive produced by Jesse Ignjatovic, Evan Prager and Barb Bialkowski for Den of Thieves along with RAC Clark and Jen Jones. The festive TV special will premiere tonight at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC and then it will re-air on December 20 at 9/8c.