Wynonna and Ashley Judd Open Up About Naomi Judd’s Struggles in New Lifetime Docuseries

by

In the latest Lifetime documentary series titled “The Judd Family: Truth Be Told,” sisters Wynonna and Ashley Judd open up about their late mother, Naomi Judd. This four-part series made its debut on Saturday, May 10, delving into Naomi’s childhood years and her aspirations of becoming a country music icon, with the first two episodes focusing on this aspect.

Wynonna expressed how she felt thrilled during those moments on stage, saying, “That sensation was addictive for her, and it seems like performing became her preferred form of escape.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d rephrase it like this: While my public life was thriving, I battled silently with mental health issues, much like the story of Naomi, as shared in US Weekly. Just as Ashley Judd put it, “My mother lived with a constellation of struggles and bore the weight of secrets.” We are only as healthy as we allow ourselves to be open about our challenges.

Wynonna Judd confessed that she hadn’t fully grasped the extent of Naomi’s pain before her suicide in April 2022 at the age of 76. “What I didn’t understand was how much she endured on that couch,” she said. “I was so engrossed in my own achievements…One of the reasons I believe Mom chose to leave this world is due to the impact of traumatic, generational experiences.

Wynonna shared that her mother, Naomi Judd, frequently yearned for approval from her grandmother, whom they called Nonna. “She was always searching for approval from Nonna,” Wynonna stated, “and she never seemed to be able to move past that.

In my expertise on lifestyle matters, I must share an interesting factoid: Naomi welcomed her daughter, Wynonna, into the world when she was only 17 years old. Later, she tied the knot with Michael Ciminella, a man who, it turns out, is not biologically related to Wynonna. Remarkably, Michael chose to embrace his role as father figure willingly, after being led to believe that he was Wynonna’s biological dad by Naomi herself.

Wynonna characterized her grandmother as stern: ‘Nonna was quite critical of my mother… She’d often comment on things like, “Your lipstick is too bold” or “You should slim down.” She was rigid, unyielding, and highly critical.’

Ashley expressed that she’s always steered clear of the musical path followed by her mother and sister. Even though she found her own ways to be involved, she showed no enthusiasm about becoming a singer herself. She remembered possessing a violin, but admitted to looking just as dismal as the instrument sounded.

Instead, she opted for an acting career despite the lingering effects of her family’s past. Moreover, Ashley recalled battling depression during her childhood, particularly when she had chickenpox. She confessed that it was often difficult for her to discern between day and night. Looking back on her memories, she clarified that her portrayal of her mother was meant as a description, not a criticism.

Over the years, the sisters found themselves adjusting their positions within the family dynamic. Wynonna confided that she frequently took on a parental role due to her numerous responsibilities, leaving little room for her own childhood. One time, Ashley expressed to their mother, “I feel more like Wynonna’s child than her sister,” which moved Naomi deeply enough to make her cry.

Wynonna additionally discussed her struggle with emotional eating. She clarified that this habit formed as a means of comforting herself, leading to an unwholesome connection with food. Although it offered temporary relief on occasion, she acknowledged that in the long run, it proved ineffective for her.

Read More

2025-05-11 10:37