TRIBUTES have been paid to American country music star Naomi Judd, who has passed away at the age of 76.
Judd was best known for her work as one half of The Judds with her daughter Wynonna, with the pair having a string of hits throughout the 1980s and early 1990s.
Her death comes ahead of The Judds' planned induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame on Sunday.
Wynonna and her sister, actress Ashley Judd, revealed the news of their mother's passing in a statement on Saturday, in which they said they had lost her to 'the disease of mental illness'.
— The Judds (@juddsofficial) April 30, 2022
"Today, we sisters experienced a tragedy," read the statement.
"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."
Fellow performers and industry stalwarts paid tribute to Judd, with singer Terri Clark saying she 'inspired an entire generation to chase their dreams'.
I’m shocked & saddened to hear of the passing of Naomi Judd. She & @Wynonna inspired an entire generation to chase their dreams & make them happen. Their music has been & will always be the standard. My prayers go out to the entire family as they navigate through this tragic time pic.twitter.com/PdGfsrR1mq
— Terri Clark (@TerriClarkMusic) April 30, 2022
I am deeply saddened by the loss of my friend and fellow Kentuckian, Naomi Judd. Naomi was always so special to be with. She accomplished so much and she will be missed and loved forever. My prayers go out to Naomi and her family.❤️🙏🏻❤️ pic.twitter.com/Us57t9bfsj
— Crystal Gayle (@TheCrystalGayle) April 30, 2022
This is heartbreaking news! Naomi Judd was one of the sweetest people I’ve ever known. I had the honor of working with her in movies and numerous musical events. My deepest heartfelt condolences go out to her family. https://t.co/ONRL9Q29om
— Travis Tritt (@Travistritt) April 30, 2022
I’m so sad about Naomi Judd. She was so lovely & warm & fun but the thing I remember best was how proud she was of her daughters, she talked about them the whole time. My heart breaks for her family. https://t.co/asDaIM3u3l
— kristen johnston (@thekjohnston) April 30, 2022
We grieve with the family of Naomi Judd on their loss of a remarkable wife, mother and friend. She was kind and encouraging to everyone who crossed her path. She will be missed.
— Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) April 30, 2022
I’m very sad to hear that Naomi Judd has passed away. Rest In Peace .Sending love and light to Ashley and Wynonna and all who love her.
— ✌🏼rosanna arquette (@RoArquette) April 30, 2022
I had the honor of meeting Naomi Judd years ago and she was so incredibly kind. Sending love and prayers to Wynonna, Ashley, and the whole Judd family during this time. I never thought she’d go 💔
— Kristin Chenoweth (@KChenoweth) April 30, 2022
The Judds disbanded in 1991 after scoring 14 No. 1s on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
They performed occasional reunion shows in the years since and after performing at the 2022 CMT Music Awards in April, announced a farewell tour to begin this September.
Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, revealed Judd's family wished for Sunday's induction event to go ahead as planned.
The Judds — Wynonna and Naomi — at the CMT Music Awards in April (Image: Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images for CMT)"We are shocked and saddened to learn of the death of Naomi Judd, who enters the Country Music Hall of Fame tomorrow as a member of mother-daughter duo the Judds," said Young.
"Naomi overcame incredible adversity on her way to a significant place in music history.
"Her triumphant life story overshadows today's tragic news.
Naomi Judd, left, pictured with daughters Ashley and Wynonna in 2005 (Image: Chris Greenberg/Getty Images)"Her family has asked that we continue with the Judds' official Hall of Fame induction on Sunday.
"We will do so, with heavy hearts and weighted minds.
"Naomi and daughter Wynonna's music will endure."
