Wynonna Judd Talks Naomi's Death, Highs And Lows Of Music Career In People's Choice Country Awards Speech

“The highs are high and the lows are low, baby. But don't ever let them tell you who you are."

Wynonna Judd was all smiles as she accepted the first-ever Country Champion Award at the People's Choice Country Awards at the Grand Ole Opry last week, though her mother’s memory lingered over the moment.

After performing a medley of songs including “No One Else on Earth” and “I Saw the Light,” the country legend delivered a moving speech that reflected on her decades-long career as well as the tragic loss of her mom and singing partner, Naomi.

"I graduated high school in 1982 and 1983, I got a record deal with RCA Records and I got on a Silver Eagle Bus with my mama and did her hair every night for 10 years for free. It started there," Judd, 59, said. "Of course, 10 years later she would have to retire and I would go on to make country music 'herstory,' and thanks to the fans I didn't give up then. I would have another 10 years—a second career."

The songstress then recalled the day she learned that Naomi had died of suicide.

"I went to her house and she died there, but we followed the ambulance anyway to the hospital where she was pronounced dead. I walked into the room and I held her in my arms, kissed her on the forehead and shut her eyes, and said, 'I love you, Mom,'" Judd said. "And I walked out of that room, went home, got up the next morning and showed up at the Country Music Hall of Fame to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. You know why? Because that's how much we love music. Regardless of what has happened to me and who, I show up and I show out."

“I looked up the word ‘champion’ today and it says ‘to do battle for others’ honor.’ And that is exactly what I’m going to do tomorrow when I get on a commercial flight and fly to Denver to do one more show because I can’t get enough of you.”

Judd went on to thank her husband, Cactus, her two children, and her granddaughter. She concluded her speech by urging fans and audience members to “never give up” and joked about the fickle nature of fame.

"For half of y'all in this place tonight, I know you don't know who I am," She said. "Or you were not born when I had my years of being fabulous. And I'll let that go. But back in 1990-blahblahblah, Tim McGraw opened for me. Four weeks ago, I opened for Tim. The highs are high and the lows are low, baby. But don't ever let them tell you who you are."

Naomi died on April 30, 2022 at the age of 76 after a long battle with severe depression and anxiety.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

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