Ashley Judd Remembers Late Mom Naomi Ahead of Mother’s Day: ‘Wasn’t Supposed to Be This Way’

Editor's note: This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Naomi Judd's husband was "scared to death" over the country music star's trip to Nashville days before she died by suicide.

Chris Willman Senior Music Writer and Chief Music Critic“Naomi Judd: A River of Time Celebration” was broadcast live on CMT Sunday night two weeks and one day after the country music legend died. But it hadn’t been half that long in the planning. The show’s gestation really came just a week prior to air date, on — appropriately enough — Mother’s Day.

Robin Roberts had a difficult night she had to get herself ready for, and she has taken fans along on the process as she mourns the death of a good friend.ALSO: HELLO! launches Jubilee T-shirt collection to celebrate Queen Elizabeth in styleSince Naomi Judd's passing at the end of April, Robin has taken to Instagram to share heartfelt tributes to the late country star, as well as sending her condolences to her daughters, Ashley and Wynonna Judd.Now the star revealed she was partaking in an emotional – albeit beautiful – part of the grieving process, honoring the singer with a television special celebrating her life.WATCH: Robin reveals latest career milestoneMORE: Robin Roberts shares emotional family update on Mother's DayRobin was one of many celebrities and artists who participated in the live-streamed memorial, which was titled "Naomi Judd: A River of Time."She captioned a picture of her preparations for the ceremony with: "Back in my dressing room. Rehearsals from all the artists were absolutely beautiful.

Naomi Judd‘s husband is speaking out in public about his late wife for the first time.

Naomi Judd’s husband, Larry Strickland, knew just how much his wife enjoyed meeting new people. On Sunday, Strickland spoke out for the first time since his wife’s death as part of CMT’s “Naomi Judd: A River of Time” memorial special.

Naomi Judd’s husband, Larry Strickland, knew just how much his wife enjoyed meeting new people. On Sunday, Strickland spoke out for the first time since his wife’s death as part of CMT's memorial special.“Namoi never met a stranger,” Larry said while on stage with Naomi's daughters, Ashley and Wynonna Judd. «Much to my displeasure, she would start a conversation with anyone who made eye contact with her, and we would end up standing 10, 20, 30 minutes on a sidewalk while she talked to a complete stranger about their passions and their dog.” Larry, who married Naomi in 1989, shared that his wife recently took a solo flight from Georgia to Nashville, noting that it was rare for her to fly alone.

A country legend remembered. Naomi Judd‘s life and legacy were celebrated in an emotional televised memorial organized by her daughters and husband.

perform “The Rose” with Brandi Carlile. Wynonna Judd paused her performance at one point so that she could redo a section of the song better, her voice soaring as the crowd cheered.The ceremony began with Judd’s daughter Ashley delivering a eulogy that traced her mother’s life from its humble beginnings in Kentucky to the heights of superstardom.“We are here tonight remembering an icon and a legend who left country music better than she found it,” Ashley Judd said tearfully.“She was every woman.

died by suicide in late April.“Naomi Judd: A River of Time” aired commercial-free on CMT with performances by Ashley McBryde, Brad Paisley, Brandi Carlile, Carly Pearce, Emmylou Harris and Allison Russell, Gaither Vocal Band, Jamey Johnson, Little Big Town and Wynonna.Wynonna also announced that she will continue the 11-date national tour she previously had scheduled with her mom before her untimely death.“After a lot of thought, I’m going to have to honor her and do this tour. I’m just going to have to,” she said.

Wynonna Judd has revealed that the planned The Judds Tour will still be happening.

The country music community gathered today at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville to remember one of their own. As it might be expected, the best way to honor and memorialize one of the genre’s greatest hitmakers was found in song.

The show will go on. Wynonna Judd took the stage on Sunday during the “Naomi Judd: A River of Time Celebration” and announced that the previously scheduled The Judds tour will continue after her mother’s death.

Naomi Judd’s star-studded tribute started with words from her daughter, Ashley Judd. On Sunday, the 54-year-old actress took the stage at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee and memorialized her mother. “Welcome to the mother church of country music, this is where mom wanted her public celebration to take place and thank you for being in community and in fellowship with us,” Ashley told the packed house. “Because we can pretend to care, but we cannot pretend to show up. Thank you for showing up for our mom.”

Wynonna Judd took the stage on Sunday during the and announced that the previously scheduled The Judds tour will continue after her mother’s death.  The 57-year-old GRAMMY-winning musician spoke publicly for the first time since Naomi died on April 30, ahead of the emotional closing performance of «Love Can Build a Bridge.»“It’s so strange in a way to be here, but it seems so natural,” Wynonna said after Brandi Carlile, who performed the hit with her, left the stage. “I lived my life publicly since I was 17 so it feels natural to be with my family of choice.

Chris Willman Senior Music Writer and Chief Music CriticOne of pop culture’s most famous mother figures got a sendoff from her community at the Mother Church of country music Sunday, as Wynonna and Ashley Judd welcomed country stars and other celebrities to Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium for “Naomi Judd: A River of Time Celebration,” a tribute that was broadcast live on CMT.A frequently heaven-looking Wynonna, who with her late mother was half of the country duo the Judds, sang “River of Time” early in the ceremony, then closed it joined by her local Christ Church choir for what was the pair’s final hit, “Love Will Build a Bridge.” She also participated in a recreation of the mother/daughter harmonies by pairing up with Brandi Carlile for a duet of “The Rose,” preceded by a video testimonial by Bette Midler. Pure magic on stage tonight ✨ @Wynonna @brandicarlile pic.twitter.com/5XmUe8EdGA— CMT (@CMT) May 16, 2022“It’s so strange to be here, but natural at the same time,” said Wynonna.

Wynonna Judd took the stage on Sunday during the and announced that the previously scheduled The Judds tour will continue after her mother’s death.  The 57-year-old GRAMMY-winning musician spoke publicly for the first time since Naomi died on April 30, ahead of the emotional closing performance of «Love Can Build a Bridge.»“It’s so strange in a way to be here, but it seems so natural,” Wynonna said after Brandi Carlile, who performed the hit with her, left the stage. “I lived my life publicly since I was 17 so it feels natural to be with my family of choice.

Naomi Judd’s star-studded tribute started with words from her daughter, Ashley Judd. On Sunday, the 54-year-old actress took the stage at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee and memorialized her mother.

Faith Hill will join forces with several prominent figures for an emotional and expansive tribute to country legend Naomi Judd.MORE: Faith Hill and Tim McGraw's daughter displays modeling skills in striking new photoThe singer took to social media to share a poster from the special titled Naomi Judd: A River of Time, which will air on Sunday night on CMT.VIDEO: Faith Hill shares 'painful' memory of filming 1883She'll be joined by several members of the country music industry, including Little Big Town, Brad Paisley, Reba McEntire, Ashley McBryde, and Brandi Carlile. Other musicians like Bono and Bette Midler are also slated to be part of it.Many others from the entertainment industry will also join in, including Reese Witherspoon, Salma Hayek, Oprah Winfrey, and Morgan Freeman.MORE: Gracie McGraw delights fans with bold celebratory beach videoRobin Roberts will host the event, alongside Naomi's two daughters, Wynonna and Ashley Judd, and the affair promises to be a heartfelt one."Wynonna and Ashley, our hearts are with you as your beloved matriarch, Naomi Judd, will be celebrated today," Faith wrote alongside her post.A post shared by Faith Hill (@faithhill)Faith will be part of a star-studded tribute to Naomi"May we all raise our hands and celebrate this extraordinary woman along with her closest friends.

The list of performers and special guests for Naomi Judd's memorial service has been finalized.More high-profile names have signed-on to be apart of the public memorial dubbed - Naomi Judd: A River of Time Celebration - which is named after The Judds' fifth studio album, as well as their song of the same name.Deadline is reporting that country music stars Brad Paisley, Carly Pearce, and Jamey Johnson have been added to the star-studded performers list; whileBette Midler, Reba McEntire and Reese Witherspoon have been enlisted to deliver special messages.Judd's husbandLarry Strickland is now among those who will speak at the memorial. Public memorial: More high-profile names have signed-on to participate in Naomi Judd's public memorial, including Brad Paisley, Carly Pearce, and Jamey Johnson as performers; and Bette Midler, Reba McEntire and Reese Witherspoon will deliver special messagesThe tribute to Naomi Juddwill air live and commercial-free from Nashville's historic Ryman Auditorium on CMT and Sandbox Livebeginning at 6 PM ET on Sunday, May 14.Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts, who is a close family friend of the Judds, will host the memorial.Paisley, Pearce, and Johnson join previously announced musicians set to perform that includesLittle Big Town, Brandi Carlile, Ashley McBryde, Emmylou Harris, Allison Russell and The Gaithers.

Naomi Judd, CMT has set a live, televised event, , to honor the late singer. The tribute to Judd’s career and legacy will feature never-before-seen performances and musical collaborations, with special guests, appearances and messages from some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Judd's two daughters — Wynonna Judd and Ashley Judd.Performers include Ashley McBryde, Brandi Carlile, Emmylou Harris & Allison Russell, Little Big Town and The Gaithers. Robin Roberts, co-anchor of ABC’s as well as a close family friend of Judd’s, will host the special. Naomi’s closest friends, including Bono, Morgan Freeman, Oprah WinfreySalma Hayek, Martina McBrideand others will all make special appearances.Naomi Judd is remembered as one half of the famed mom-and-daughter duo, The Judds, alongside her daughter, Wynonna. She died by suicide at the end of April, just a day before The Judds were set to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. At the time of her death, Judd’s daughters, Wynonna and Ashley, released a statement, saying, «Today we sisters experienced a tragedy.

Country legend Naomi Judd's memorial will air on CMT this weekend.The Judds singer, who was 76 when she passed, will have her life put front and center during the tribute titledNaomi Judd: A River of Time Celebration.It will take place inNashville’s Ryman Auditorium beginning at 6 PM eastern time on Sunday. Gone but not forgotten:Country legend Naomi Judd's memorial will air on CMT this weekend (pictured April 2022)A number of special guests are set to participate in one way or another in honor of the late Judd.