Naomi Judd would have turned 80 years old on Jan. 11.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Sadly, the country music star, who was one-half of The Judds with her daughter Wynonna, isn't here to greet this milestone. She died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound on April 30, 2022.
The death of Naomi came just one day before The Judds would have celebrated their induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, and only weeks after their eagerly awaited reunion tour was announced.
"Today, we sisters experienced a tragedy. We lost our beautiful mother to the disease of mental illness," Wynonna and her sister, Ashley, said in a statement at the time.
The siblings added, "We are shattered. We are navigating profound grief and know that, as we loved her, she was loved by her public. We are in unknown territory."
Wynonna recently shared some thoughts about her mother in an Instagram post. We have the details below.
Wynonna Asks Naomi Judd, "Why Aren't You Here?"
The picture accompanying Wynonna's post shows the mother and daughter sharing a kiss and an embrace.
"She would have been 80 today," the caption reads. "I still feel her everywhere. She has 2 beautiful GREAT granddaughters we could be celebrating with. Why aren't you here? I love you, Mom."
It's an especially touching tribute given the circumstances around Naomi's death. Fans shared their own tributes and encouragement in the comments.
"Happy heavenly birthday Naomi," wrote one user. "I'm sure you're dancing around in your pretty frilly dresses you use to wear on stage! We miss you and love you.
Another added, "The demons were too strong. I'm so sorry she's not here. Nothing replaces the loss of a Mom."
This Moment Comes As Wynonna Judd Experiences Another Loss
Wynonna also considered guitarist Bob Weir, the co-founder of The Grateful Dead, part of her family. He died on Jan. 10. She recently shared the story of how Weir helped her in the wake of her mother's death.
"When Mom passed, we held our {private} celebration of life in Nashville," she wrote. "Sir Robert got the call & showed up with no questions asked. No publicity, no cameras, not even an expectation for him to take the stage—but he insisted on showing up in the best way he knew how. He joined the stage with my family, friends, and musical peers. I will FOREVER honor the friendship that turned into family."
