Wynonna at the People’s Choice Country Awards in Nashville on Sept. 28, 2023.Photo:Mickey Bernal/NBC via Getty
Mickey Bernal/NBC via Getty
It was clear that “Love Is Alive” at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville whenWynonna Juddwas honored at the inauguralPeople’s Choice Country Awards.
After John and TJ ofBrothers Osborneintroduced the singer, calling her “the true spirit of country music,” she performed a powerful medley of some of her greatest solo hits, including “I Saw the Light” and “Rock Bottom.”
“Of course, 10 years later she would have to retire and I would go on to make country music ‘herstory,'” the superstar continued. “Thanks to the fans, I didn’t give up then — I would have another 10 years, a second career.”
Naomi Judd, Ashley Judd and Wynonna Judd.Louis Myrie/WireImage
She then spoke candidly about losing her mother in April 2022.
“On April the 30th of last year, my mother committed suicide. I went to her house and she died there, but we followed the ambulance anyway to the hospital where she was pronounced dead and I walked into the room and I held her in my arms, kissed her on the forehead, shut her eyes and said, ‘I love you mom.’ I walked out of that room, went home, got up the next morning andshowed up at the Country Music Hall of Fame to be inducted into the 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,'” the singer-songwriter continued. “That is exactly what I am going to do tomorrow when I get on a commercial flight and fly to Denver and do one more show because I can’t get enough of you.”
Wynonna Judd and Cactus Moser at the People’s Choice Country Awards in Nashville on Sept. 28, 2023.Todd Williamson/NBC via Getty
Todd Williamson/NBC via Getty
After thanking her husband, Cactus Moser, daughter Grace and son Elijah, and saying she “will do anything to protect” her granddaughter, she concluded her speech with an inspirational sentiment.
When Brothers Osborne presented Judd with the award, John Osborne called her “an artist, activist, philanthropist, champion, her spirit, her soul, and her strength are an inspiration; the definition of a hero.”
Wynonna performs in Nashville in June 2022.Jason Kempin/Getty
The “She Is His Only Need” artist has long advocated for causes such as assistance to veterans and their families andprison reform. The latter is an issue close to her heart and led her to meet with White House officials, as her daughterGrace Pauline Kelleyis incarcerated for violating a probation stemming from a drug-related conviction.
When it was announced that Judd was being honored at the PCCAs and will soon host the upcoming NBC holiday specialChristmas at the Opry, Cassandra Tryon, senior vice president, live events, NBCUniversal Entertainment shared a statement. “Wynonna is one of the most recognized and lauded performers in country music,” Tryon said. “Not only is she incredibly talented, her selflessness and passion for putting the needs of others in the spotlight is unmatched. We can’t think of a better person to honor as our inaugural ‘Country Champion’ and to celebrate the holidays with across these two major country music events.”
Naomi Judd and Wynonna Judd of The Judds performing in Chicago in February 1991.Paul Natkin/Getty
Paul Natkin/Getty
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She explained that she’s looking forward to playing old favorites like “She Is His Only Need.” The singer added, “That song was a personal favorite to my mother. That will be one of those moments where I’ll be probably shedding a tear because that song was for my mom. And now that she’s not here, it brings even more emotion."
source: people.com
