Naomi Judd, country icon and matriarch of The Judds, dies at 76
Naomi Judd died near Nashville, Tennessee. Family members said no further details about her death would be released and asked for privacy.
“Today we sisters experienced a tragedy. We lost our beautiful mother to the disease of mental illness, We are shattered", the daughters said.
The mother-daughter performers scored 14 No. 1 songs. They stopped singing in 1990 after doctors diagnosed Naomi Judd with hepatitis. Wynonna continued her solo career.
The Judds’ hits included “Love Can Build a Bridge” in 1990, ”Mama He’s Crazy” in 1984, “Why Not Me” in 1984, ”Turn It Loose” in 1988,
“Girls Night Out” in 1985, “Rockin’ With the Rhythm of the Rain” in 1986 “Grandpa” in 1986.
The Judds released around six studio albums and won nine Country Music Association Awards and seven from the Academy of Country Music. They earned a total of five Grammy Awards.
Singer Travis Tritt twitted, "This is heartbreaking news! Naomi Judd was one of the sweetest people I’ve ever known."
He Further added, "I hadthe honor of working with her in movies and numerous musical events. My deepest heartfelt condolences go out to her family"
They first got attention singing on Ralph Emery’s morning show in early 1980, where the host named them the “Soap Sisters” because Naomi said she used to make her own soap.
The Judds sang about family, the belief in marriage and the virtue of fidelity. Because Naomi was so young looking, the two were mistaken for sisters early in their career.