Wynonna Judd Recalls Final Moments With Her Mother In First Television Interview Since Passing Of Naomi Judd

Wynonna Judd recently sat down with Lee Cowan in her first television interview since the death of her mother, Naomi Judd. Their full conversation for CBS Sunday Morning is set to be broadcast Sunday, Sept. 25 (9:00 AM ET) on the CBS Television Network and streaming on Paramount+. 

The mother-daughter duo, known as The Judds, was considered one of the most successful country music duos in history. Throughout the duration of their career that spanned nearly three decades, they sold more than 20 million albums and earned 14 No. 1 hits including “Love Can Build a Bridge,” “Mama He’s Crazy,” “Why Not Me,” “Turn It Loose,” “Girls Night Out,” “Rockin’ With the Rhythm of the Rain” and “Grandpa.”

On April 30, just a day before they were to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, Naomi passed away at the age of 76. She had battled depression and it was later revealed that she died of “mental illness” and that she used a “firearm.” In the CBS Sunday Morning interview, Wynonna recalls the “shocking” day that her mom lost her battle. 

“I got the call, and I went over, and I saw her and that was that. I said goodbye to her in the hospital, and I closed her eyes, and I kissed her forehead and that was that. And the next thing I know, I’m sitting here on the front porch, on the side porch … you know, and I’m just tryin’ to figure out what’s next.”

"She had incredibly great days in the middle of the dark days."

Country superstar Wynonna Judd, in her first television interview since her mother Naomi took her own life, talks about grief, going back on tour, and more with Lee Cowan this "Sunday Morning" pic.twitter.com/EAMs8epkyH

— CBS Sunday Morning 🌞 (@CBSSunday) September 22, 2022

She added, “I did not know that she was at the place she was at when she ended it because she had had episodes before and she got better. And that’s what I live in, is like, ‘Was there anything I should have looked for or should I have known?’ I didn’t. That’s why it’s such a shock.” 

During the interview at her home outside of Nashville, Wynonna explained that feeling her mom’s presence brings her a sense of peace and comfort. 

“I feel her nudging me. And sometimes, I laugh,” she says. “And sometimes, I say, ‘I really miss you. Why aren’t you here so we can argue?’” 

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Despite her mom’s passing, the “Tell Me Why” singer made the decision not to cancel The Judds Final Tour, which they had announced just weeks before Naomi died. This 11-city run of shows will now serve as a celebration of her life and the legacy she left behind.

Larry Strickland, Naomi’s longtime husband, previously said that he is “so happy that in this time of grief for us all, Wynonna has agreed to move forward with this tour as my sweet wife Naomi would have wanted her to do.”

When The Judds toured back in the ’80s, they had a catalog of twenty Top 10 hits, 20 million-plus albums sold, a combined 16 Gold, Platinum, and multi-Platinum albums, and The Judds Greatest Hits. For the final tour, Wynonna has invited several special guests to come on the journey with her.

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Some of music’s biggest stars will be joining her including Brandi Carlile, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Ashley McBryde, Trisha Yearwood, and more.

Country superstar Faith Hill will also join Wynonna on stage on October 29 for the final tour date. 

“I find myself both grateful and humbled by the support of these artists that I respect so much,” Wynonna wrote on social media. 

The arena tour kicks off on September 30 in Grand Rapids, MI, at Van Andel Arena and will continue through October, where the trek will wrap up in The Judds’ home state of Kentucky at Rupp Arena on October 29.