Naomi Judd's Net Worth At The Time Of Her Death Might Surprise You - The List (2024)

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Fans around the world are reeling from the news that Grammy-winning country singer Naomi Judd has died. The 76-year-old, who performed with daughter Wynonna as The Judds, was confirmed to have passed via a statement from her daughters, Wynonna and actress Ashley Judd, on April 30, 2022.

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"Today we sisters experienced a tragedy," read the statement, which Ashley posted on Instagram. "We lost our beautiful mother to the disease of mental illness. 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."

A statement issued by her husband, Larry Strickland, confirmed that Naomi died in the Nashville area and that no other details would be revealed about the star's death (via People).

The death must have been sudden as The Judds had just performed at the CMT Awards, were set to embark on an arena tour in fall 2022, and were about to join the Country Music Hall of Fame on May 1.

Now, as fans look back on Naomi's incredible career, it's natural to wonder: What was her net worth at the time of her death?

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Given her illustrious career, it comes as no surprise that Naomi Judd was worth a pretty penny at the time of her death: $25 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.

Between 1983 and 1991, country singers Naomi and daughter Wynonna — performing as The Judds — released six studio albums, per PBS. During that time period, they produced a whopping 14 No. 1 hits, and their most popular songs include "Mama, He's Crazy," "Why Not Me," "Turn It Loose," and "Love Can Build a Bridge."

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With only a 17 year difference in their ages, The Judds sometimes appeared more like sisters. Their mutual love of music became a bonding experience for the single mom and her oldest daughter. While Naomi trained to become a nurse, Wynonna learned guitar and sang during her free time, per The New York Times. For inspiration, they turned to affordable, used country records. After listening to two women sing, Naomi had an epiphany. "Wynonna and I couldn't talk to each other, but, low and behold, we could sing together," she said. "Their songs were not just a balm between the two of us, but they were teaching Wynonna the history of country music" (via PBS).

Wynonna also felt the magic when she sang with her mom. "All of a sudden, before I know what's going on, she has attached herself vocally to me, and it's as if it were one voice," she told NPR's Scott Simon in 2010.

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The Judds left the stage in 1991 due to Naomi's Hepatitis C diagnosis. According to People, the Judd matriarch had gotten the disease when she worked in nursing. At the time, Naomi was projected to live only three more years. In a miraculous recovery, Naomi was in full remission in 1995, per The New York Times.

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However, Naomi decided to turn her focus towards activism and writing. Wynonna was now a solo artist. After the huge success of their 1991 tour, Wynonna said, "We had one of the greatest "good-byes" in the history of Country Music. We went out with a bang. And the next day, I woke up and, 'Oh, my gosh. What do I do now?' It was devastating" (via PBS). With the encouragement of her mother and manager, Wynonna released her eponymous solo album in 1992. She racked up four number one singles from the album. Wynonna's second album went platinum and scored five top ten hits. Currently, her net worth is $12 million, per Celebrity Net Worth.

Naomi's younger daughter, Ashley Judd, didn't join her mother and sister in their musical pursuits. Instead, Ashley studied at the University of Kentucky and then became a successful movie actor and activist. According to IMDb, Ashley is also known for her work on the TV show "Sisters," and more recently, the 2017 reboot of "Twin Peaks." Ashley has a net worth of $18 million, per Celebrity Net Worth.

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Despite their success, the Judds' story isn't a happy one, with many dark secrets the family tried to hide, including Ashley being sexually abused and contemplating suicide, the arrest of Wynonna's husband for child sexual assault and battery charges, and Naomi's struggles with severe depression.

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After her recovery from Hepatitis C, Naomi kept busy as a TV guest star and hosted a talk show, "Naomi's New Morning," per The New York Times. However, she was also dealing with depression. "I was inert: I didn't get off my couch for about two years. There were days that I wouldn't brush my teeth; there were days that I wouldn't eat much," she wrote in an NBC News essay. Naomi chronicled her struggle in her 2016 book, "River of Time: My Descent into Depression and How I Emerged with Hope."

Naomi's hope was evident when she talked with enthusiasm about the 2022 Judds tour. She was excited at the prospect of performing and having fun on stage, per The New York Times. "[Wynonna] asked me if I was still going to twist, twirl and crack jokes," she said. "I answered, 'Heck yeah! I'm too old to grow up now!'"

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After her mother's sudden death, Wynonna vowed she would continue her mother's musical legacy. "Though my heart is broken, I will continue to sing," she said during her speech at the County Music Hall of Fame, per Tennessean.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741, call the National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), or visit the National Institute of Mental Health website.